The Columbus Blue Jackets plan to re-open their off-ice facilities next week following positive COVID-19 results among players.
“The Blue Jackets had several players recently test positive for the COVID-19 virus," the team confirmed in a statement.
The team declined to say how many players tested positive and who they were, but said the players began quarantining November 16. The team subsequently closed its workout room, locker room and training room.
The team hadn't scheduled any workouts for this week because of Thanksgiving.
In the statement, Blue Jackets officials say they will continue following all recommended guidelines to protect the health and safety of players and the public. When facilities reopen next week, both on-ice and off-ice workouts will be voluntary.
Here is the team's statement in full:
“The Blue Jackets had several players recently test positive for the COVID-19 virus. Those players immediately began to quarantine and the club closed its off-ice facilities at Nationwide Arena beginning the week of November 16. No voluntary workouts were scheduled this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The organization has and will continue to follow all recommended guidelines aimed at protecting the health and safety of our players, staff and community at large as set by the NHL, local, state and national agencies. The club anticipates players returning to our facilities next week for voluntary on- and off-ice workouts.”
