Hub city bubbles should protect players from COVID-19, but travel still poses risk
Once players enter so-called"bubbles" in two hub cities later this month as part of the league's plan to resuscitate its pandemic-halted season, teams should -- in theory -- be fairly well-protected from the threat of COVID-19.Once players enter “bubbles” in two hub cities later this month as part of the league’s blueprint to resuscitate its pandemic-halted season, teams should – at least in theory – be fairly well protected from the threat of COVID-19.
And while the league touched on the need to be prudent with regard to physical distancing outside team activities during camps in a separate document, it’s potentially a soft underbelly players, coaches and executives know could pose a risk. The NHL plans to test players every 48 hours during camps, and Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said there have already been conversations among his group about the possible pitfalls of the next 2 1/2 weeks as the league looks to kickstart a campaign that was suspended in March as the coronavirus swept across North America.
While the virus is relatively under control in Canada, the explosion of cases south of the border, including hot spots such as Florida, Texas and Arizona, represent a red flag. Of the 24 franchises tabbed for the restart, 18 are located in the United States and won’t head north until the end of the month.
“At a certain point we’re going to have to live our lives and we’re going to have to go to the restaurants and do these things,” he said. “But I think you can be calculated and smart staying away from people and doing the best you can wearing a mask and washing your hands.”And although British Columbia has been commended for its response and control of the virus, risks remain just like anywhere else.
An outbreak within a team or teams could wreak havoc on the league’s return-to-play plans. Major League Soccer, which started its summer tournament this week, has seen both FC Dallas and Nashville SC pull out because of 20 combined cases of COVID-19.
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