The NHL hit a milestone on Monday. For the first time since it begun announcing positive test results, the NHL has recorded zero new positive coronavirus cases.
This news comes as MLB grapples with an outbreak that is jeopardizing its 60-game season.
NHL statement on COVID-19 testing results: pic.twitter.com/5dObzonFWA
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) July 27, 2020
The NHL’s full statement reads:
Statement from the National Hockey League on COVID-19 testing results
The NHL concluded Phase 3 (formal training camp) of its Return to Play on Saturday with no positive test results for COVID-19 among the 4,256 tests administered to more than 800 Players during the period from July 18-25. During the two-week period of Phase 3 there were a total of two positive tests (both occurred during the period from July 13-17) among the 6,874 total tests. All 24 teams entered the secure zone in Edmonton and Toronto yesterday for the beginning of Phase 4 and each of the 52 members of the 24 teams (Players and Club staff) will be tested on a daily basis. The NHL will continue to provide regular updates on the number of tests administered to Players and the results of those tests. The League will not be providing information on the identify of the Players of Clubs.
No NHL officials have tested positive as well.
There have been zero positive COVID-19 tests among NHL officials. The referees and linesmen have been inside the bubbles in Edmonton and Toronto since July 21.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 27, 2020
In total, 43 NHL players tested positive in Phase 2 and 2 players tested positive during Phase 3 Training Camp.
The NHL will now try to complete the 2020 playoffs in bubbles north of the border in Toronto and Edmonton.
Meanwhile, the MLB announced that the Miami Marlins have an outbreak of coronavirus. 14 different players and coaches have tested positive. The Marlins’ game against the Baltimore Orioles tonight has been canceled as well as the New York Yankees game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Eight more players and two coaches with the Miami Marlins have tested positive for COVID-19, as an outbreak has spread throughout their clubhouse and brought the total of cases in recent days to at least 14, sources familiar with the situation tell me and @JesseRogersESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 27, 2020
The Marlins' home opener against the Baltimore Orioles tonight has been canceled, sources tell ESPN, as the team remains in Philadelphia and continues to undergo testing.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 27, 2020
Updating the Miami Marlins’ outbreak: The total number of infected players is 11 of the 33 who have been traveling with the team and two coaches, sources tell ESPN.
The Marlins-Orioles and Yankees-Phillies games tonight have been postponed. For now, the rest may be played.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 27, 2020
Despite knowing of multiple positive tests, the Marlins decided to play its scheduled game yesterday over a group text.
— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) July 27, 2020
The MLB is playing all games in teams’ home stadiums (minus the Toronto Blue Jays who are playing in Triple AAA Buffalo) and not in a bubble, requiring players to fly and play in hot zones.
Professor of infectious diseases weighs in on MLB’s pandemic plan and is not at all impressed. pic.twitter.com/lMstOP7pfk
— Alexis (@piptal) July 27, 2020
