NHL releases document detailing Phase 2 protocols for return to play - Sportsnet.ca

The NHL released a document on Monday detailing Phase 2 of its return-to-play plan as the league and its players continue to figure out if, how, and when the NHL can safely return this summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phase 2 includes protocols for testing, opening practice facilities for small group workouts, and the wearing of personal protective equipment when entering and leaving club facilities.

Per the memorandum, the league is currently targeting early June for the introduction of this second phase, though no firm date has been set.

With the NHL looking to transition to Phase 2 (small group workouts) as soon as next week, it's clear those voluntary sessions will be fairly restricted. Six players max in the team facility at a time and no coaching involvement for on-ice work.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 25, 2020

Players from other NHL teams will be permitted access to team facilities in an area where they reside, subject to scheduling and staff availability.

As a result, North Ametican-based players do not have to rush back to their playing cities in order to participate in Phase 2.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 25, 2020

Monday’s document does not include any dates or guidelines around training camps or the resumption of the 2019-20 campaign.

On Friday, player representatives from all 31 teams voted and agreed upon a 24-team playoff format — a big step in the league’s effort to bring the game back and ultimately crown a Stanley Cup champion.

Even with this affirmative vote, there are still some details with the 24-team playoff format still to be worked out between the NHL and NHLPA. One of them is whether they'll go ahead with a playoff bracket or use reseeding.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 23, 2020

The league has been suspended since March 12, and is still in the Phase 1 as players remain under league-mandated quarantine. Below are some of the guidelines released Monday:

Opening practice facilities:
Clubs will be allowed to reopen training facilities in their home cities under Phase 2, though distancing measures will still be in effect — a maximum of six players will be allowed to practise at once, plus “a limited number” of team staff. Individualized training activities will be conducted on a voluntary basis, prioritizing the health and concerns of players and staff.

Per the NHL’s document: “This activity will be permitted only in those jurisdictions where the applicable health authorities have sufficiently relaxed local restrictions to permit such gatherings. Clubs whose local health authorities would allow for the reopening of Club facilities will be required to consult with and seek approval from the League prior to any reopening of Club facilities. In those jurisdictions which continue to restrict or prohibit such activity from occurring, and in order to address potential competitive concerns, the League will work with those Clubs to facilitate alternative arrangements, if desired.”

Travel to club cities:
When the NHL first ordered its players to self-quarantine, many left their team’s cities and returned to off-season homes.

Individuals travelling via public transportation — by commercial flight or rail — must self-quarantine for 14 days in their club city prior to engaging in any training activities at the club facility.

Other players may also be asked to self-quarantine, regardless of their mode of transportation, upon returning — including those returning from a “high-risk” environment, and those landing in areas whose local authorities continue to impose a quarantine period for any travellers.

Not all players maintain a residence in their club cities — most notably AHL players. The league states that teams will provide separate hotel accommodations for the duration of Phase 2 and Phase 3 (training camp) activities in their club cities.

Symptom checks and testing:
All players and personnel permitted to access training facilities will be tested 48 hours prior to entering, followed by regular testing (twice weekly) throughout Phase 2. Results will be made available within 24 hours. No player will be permitted to use club facilities without a negative test.

The league issued these testing guidelines with community demand in mind: “As an over-riding principle, testing of asymptomatic Players and Club personnel must be done in the context of excess testing capacity, so as to not deprive health care workers, vulnerable populations and symptomatic individuals from necessary diagnostic tests.”

Players and personnel must also complete symptom and temperature checks in accordance with a standardized self-screening checklist. Daily checks will be self-administered by players and personnel at home prior to departing for club facilities, followed by another check at the entrance of the team’s facility prior to entry (to be administered by a designated Club Facility Hygiene Officer).

More to come.

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2020-05-25 15:18:00Z
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