An Ottawa Senators player has tested positive for COVID-19, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Friedman says the player’s symptoms are “not serious.”
This marks the NHL’s first positive test.
There is word tonight that an Ottawa Senator player has tested positive for COVID-19. This would be the NHL's first positive test. Initial word is symptoms are not serious. Team is expected make official announcement.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 18, 2020
Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston added that Ottawa played in San Jose after Santa Clara County recommended against holding large-gathering events. The Senators’ final three games were against San Jose, Anaheim, and Los Angeles. The Senators’ final game held at Staples Center came a day after the Brooklyn Nets played the Los Angeles Lakers.
One thing worth considering here: Ottawa played in San Jose on March 7 — one of the three games at SAP Center held after officials in Santa Clara County recommended against holding large-gathering events. https://t.co/IudzLQR1rZ
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 18, 2020
Ottawa confirmed the news just before midnight.
An Ottawa Senators player has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The player has had mild symptoms and is in isolation.
MORE: https://t.co/c0W87y7bHX pic.twitter.com/UAxLPmaf2o
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 18, 2020
The Ottawa Senators are in the process of notifying anyone who has had known close contact with the athlete and are working with our team doctors and public health officials. As a result of this positive case, all members of the Ottawa Senators are requested to remain isolated, to monitor their health and seek advice from our team medical staff.
The health of our players, fans, and community remains our highest priority. We will continue to do everything we can to help ensure our players, staff, fans and the greater community remain safe and healthy during this time of uncertainty due to the spread of the coronavirus.
According to reporting from The Athletic, several Senators players are sick and awaiting test results to see who else may have coronavirus. The Brooklyn Nets
Earlier in the day, NBA superstar Kevin Durant tested positive for coronavirus along with three other players on the Brooklyn Nets, bringing the NBA’s total to seven.
A statement from the Brooklyn Nets: pic.twitter.com/QnETcDEHCJ
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 17, 2020
“The organization is currently notifying anyone who has had known contact with the players, including recent opponents, and is working closely with state and local health authorities on reporting,” the Nets said in a release.
“All players and members of the Nets travel party are being asked to remain isolated, closely monitor their health and maintain constant communication with team medical staff. The health of our players and staff is of the highest priority to the organization and the team is doing everything within its power to ensure that those affected receive the best care possible.”
Three other NBA players have tested positive for the virus including Utah Jazz players Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell and the Detroit Pistons’ Christian Wood.
