NHL “Pauses” Season In Wake Of Coronavirus Concern

Mar 12, 2020, 12:04 PM | Updated: Jun 3, 2020, 12:38 pm

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: A goal sits on the empty ice prior to the Detroit Red Wings playing against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on March 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. Yesterday, the NBA suspended their season until further notice after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The NHL said per a release, that the uncertainty regarding next steps regarding the coronavirus, Clubs were advised not to conduct morning skates, practices or team meetings today. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

BY MADISAN HINKHOUSE, KSL SPORTS

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The NHL announced they are pausing the hockey season in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The announcement came after the NBA suspended their season after Utah Jazz players Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell tested positive for COVID-19 (the illness from Coronavirus).

The halt of the NHL begins with games being played the evening of March, 12.

The @NHL pauses 2019-20 season. https://t.co/WMePei4clH pic.twitter.com/W5Hqmk3kX7

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 12, 2020

“In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019-20 season beginning with tonight’s games,” read the statement.

NHL teams are currently in the playoff hunt. The regular season runs from October to early April. The league has made no mention of the impact the “pause” will have on the postseason.

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How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
Avoid touching your face
Stay home when you are sick
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.

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