Canucks: COVID-19 problems are everywhere

Article content

Another day, another series of COVID-19 cases around the NHL.

Article content

On Tuesday, the Boston Bruins, whom the Vancouver Canucks clashed on Sunday, coincidentally, announced that head coach Bruce Cassidy had tested positive for COVID and would be out of the team as long as he was infected.

And the AHL affiliate of the Bruins in Providence, Rhode Island, has also closed, which means no player can be retired at this time. And with Anton Blidh injured following a dangerous blow from the Canucks’ Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brad Marchand suspended by the NHL for a separate kill on Ekman-Larsson, the Bruins could have lineup issues if other players test positive for the game. . virus.

Two weeks ago, the Ottawa Senators, whom the Canucks face Wednesday at the Canadian Tire Center in suburban Kanata, Ontario, were closed for a week after 10 players and associate coach Jack Capuano, a former striker from the Canucks a long time ago, they tested positive. .

Article content

There have been many cases in the league so far this season (the New York Islanders are currently on hiatus after eight players tested positive for COVID), but the Canucks have thus far managed to avoid any cases. The Bruins are the third Canucks opponent this season to have positive tests in the days leading up to their games.

Unlike last season’s outbreak, before anyone was vaccinated, the Canucks appear to continue to dodge bullets in the public health arena. Captain Bo Horvat said Monday that the appearance of the Omicron variant and the regular news of positive tests in the league are reminders of how one should remain vigilant.

“We follow all the protocols that we can. Trying to be safe. Personal hygiene and things like that. Try to use our face masks as much as possible, ”he said. “It’s a good warning to us that we are definitely not over this and that we have to be very diligent and very careful when we are away from home.”

On Monday, the NHL’s central office told all 32 teams in the league to cancel any planned team functions related to the holidays, as well as events where players interact with the public, such as autograph sessions, sports events. charity or public speaking engagements.

Article content

Michael Doyle, president of business operations for Canucks Sports and Entertainment, said the team is paying close attention to the global pandemic situation.

“We are monitoring the pandemic carefully and remain optimistic that we will be able to continue to operate safely and fully in the coming weeks and months,” he told Postmedia News in a statement. “The province of British Columbia, our local health authorities and (sports) leagues have been strong partners during the pandemic and we will continue to follow protocols and ensure that all Rogers Arena and Abbotsford Center fans are fully vaccinated to maintain an environment safe. for everyone.”

The Canuckes have been operating the Rogers Arena at full capacity since late October, when they got the go-ahead from BC health authorities. Like all big events in the province, they must check the vaccination status of fans, only those who are fully vaccinated are allowed to attend, and fans must remain masked while in the arena, unless they are actively eating or drinking while seated. in the stands.

Article content

The rise of the Omicron variant has other jurisdictions considering whether they should continue to allow fans in the stands.

The prime minister of the southern German state of Bavaria, home to the world-famous Bayern Munich, said he did not believe the soccer team I should have fans in the stands by now.

With the Beijing Olympics only a few months away, officials There is recognition that the emergence of Omicron could present challenges.

But there appear to be no plans for resuming crowd-size restrictions at sporting events. It remains to be seen whether the rise in the Omicron variant will affect public health policy in British Columbia, said Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health official, during a news conference Tuesday, but did not expect there to be a return to the crowd restrictions. for sporting events.

“The measures we have should be sufficient to get through this Christmas season,” he said.

He noted BC’s high vaccination rate which, along with vaccination requirements in places like Rogers Arena and the provincial mask mandate, as well as public health guidance like staying home if you’re feeling unwell or have been exposed to someone. which is COVID positive, all reduced the risk of transmission.

[email protected]

twitter.com/risingaction