The home of the Washington Capitals just announced it will “remain closed until further notice” in response to the COVID-19 developments in Virginia. There have been 290 positive cases of the novel coronavirus in Virginia including 36 in Arlington according to virginia.gov. Seven Virginians have died due to the virus.
Governor Ralph Northam announced on Monday that all non-essential businesses, such as entertainment venues, must close for at least the next 30 days.
“While it would be nice to say this would be behind us in two weeks that’s not what the data tells,” Northam said according to NBC 4 Washington. “The data tells us this will be with us for 2-3 months and possibly longer.”
The full release from MedStar Capitals Iceplex reads:
An update from MedStar Capitals Iceplex
In response to the COVID-19 developments in Virginia, we will remain closed until further notice. Decisions regarding our upcoming programming will be made in the near future with our customers in mind. The safety of our employees, customers, and greater community are our priority. Please continue to check our website and social media pages for facility updates.
We can’t wait to get you back on the ice and are looking forward to resuming our normal programming.
Thank you for your understanding during this time of change and do your best to stay safe!
In its most recent announcement, the NHL said that players are expected to self-quarantine through Friday, March 27 and would consider if it could re-open facilities to small groups of players after that.
“All practices, workouts and team meetings have also been put on pause,” according to NHL.com. “Deputy Commissioner Daly said the League hopes players will be allowed to return to their team’s facilities to work out and skate on a voluntary basis in small groups in the near future. There is no timetable for when that option will become available to the players. Until facilities reopen, players are encouraged to work out at home or outside, but not at public gyms.”
It’s unknown how the indefinite closing of MedStar Capitals Iceplex will affect the Capitals and the NHL restarting its season.
