The Colorado Avalanche announced that a second player tested positive for COVID-19. In each case, the Avalanche did not name the player who tested positive for the coronavirus. The first instance was announced on Thursday.
This brings the announced total of NHL players testing positive for COVID-19 to four, as the Ottawa Senators reported the first two cases. (The second Senators case was announced about one week ago.)
Avalanche release statement on second player testing positive for COVID-19
Here is the Avalanche’s statement regarding a second player testing positive for COVID-19:
The Colorado Avalanche were advised late last night that a second player has tested positive for COVID-19. The player is in self-isolation. All other Avalanche players, staff and others who might have had close contact with the player have been informed and remain isolated as per prior League direction and are monitoring their health and will be in touch with Club medical staff as necessary. No other Avalanche player or staff member has shown symptoms at this time.
As you can see, the Avalanche received word about this second positive test late on Friday night.
They also state that no other player or staff member has shown symptoms at this time. That’s a key caveat, because as you may know, COVID-19 symptoms sometimes don’t surface for as many as two weeks after infection.
Follow this NBC News live update thread for more on the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 leads to many hockey pauses, cancellations, postponements:
- NHL pushes back possible return to around May, maybe later.
- NHL players told to self-isolate through March.
- 2020 NHL Draft, Combine, Awards all postponed.
- KHL cancels remainder of season.
- AHL also says it will pause through at least May.
- ECHL among leagues that canceled 2019-20 season.
- QMJHL follows suit.
- Uncertainty awaits as NHL puts season on ice — for now.
- How grassroots hockey has been affected by COVID-19.
- Where the NHL left off with 2019-20 season in limbo.
- Looking at shortened and postponed NHL seasons.
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James O’Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins.