Just in time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the NHL is set to take a major change to their COVID-19 protocol. As first reported by TSN’s Frank Seravalli, the league has issued a memo to potential playoff clubs detailing new rules relaxing the restrictions initially implemented to combat the Coronavirus. Once 85% of the team, including players, coaches, and staff, have been fully vaccinated, there will be much more freedom granted in health and safety and social interaction areas. This policy will also apply to on-ice officials, once 100% of the crew has been fully vaccinated. By “fully vaccinated”, the league requires that an individual be two weeks removed from their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Once a team receives league approval that the 85% vaccination mark has been reached, the following policies will be relaxed:
Social Gatherings
- allowed in groups of up to eight people
- not limited to members of the team
- may occur indoors or outdoors
- masks and social distancing not required
- all individuals must be fully vaccinated
Masks
- not required in non-public areas of arenas and practice facilities
- not required at teams meetings
Travel and Leisure
- permitted to gather in hotel rooms
- permitted to eat during air and bus travel
- permitted to dine at restaurants with outdoors seating or an exclusive indoor dining area
- permitted to golf as a group
Testing
- no longer required on off days
These new policies will be well-received by players, coaches, and officials alike, who have endured a very sheltered existence over the past few months. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to reap the benefits. Seravalli notes that none of the Canadian clubs are “anywhere close” to the 85% full vaccination mark and may not get there at all by the end of the postseason. Slow vaccination rates in Canada mean that few Canadian players have received their first dose of a two-dose COVID vaccine and second doses could be months away. With it still being unclear if the North Division champion will even be able to play home games in the final two rounds of the playoffs, these relaxed policies could join home ice as another benefit for the American clubs this postseason.
Would love to see the “science” behind these percentages they came up with. Hope some players have the courage to question this nonsense.
Or how about everyone who has access to a vaccine just gets vaccinated and then you don’t have to worry about it?
That makes no sense what so ever. The vaccine does not stop you from getting the virus, nor does it stop you from spreading the virus. It simply assists YOUR body is having lesser symptoms. Therefore if you are vaccinated, no other individuals vaccinated status affects you. So if you wanted your shot and got it, move on. If you didn’t want it, you had your chance and chose to move on.
In other words do what we say and shut up. Great way to live life.
@theeterps – Or, why don’t you get vaccinated and then not worry about whether anyone got the jab? If it works, then you’re safe, right?
Robin Lehner probably feels a little vindicated now
What did Lehner say again? (It’s been a while, so I’m blanking)
It makes sense to be safe and smart until everyone who wants the vaccine gets the vaccine.
Once everyone who wants the vaccine gets the vaccine, then open up everything fully and the unvaccinated become the willful volunteers for the fourth and final wave.
AKA the backdoor path to herd immunity.
PS- Have the Canadian players sneak over the border into North Dakota or Montana or Idaho, they have plenty of vaccine just sitting around.
That’s comical. What evidence do you have to support the statement that unvaccinated people are being infected at a higher rate than those who have gotten the vaccine? None would be my guess.
This is a non-FDA approved experimental vaccine that has been pulled back by many countries already due to safety concerns. Excuse those of us who would rather not take a risk for something we haven’t and likely will not be effected by.
Well, for one, you could compare Israel vs. India regarding the efficacy of vaccines. Israel’s cases and death totals plummeted after they achieved a high level of vaccination whereas India has only 1-2% of their population vaccinated and are being decimated.
Also, if you read my post again, you’ll see that I am not concerned by those who choose not to get vaccinated and therefore you need no excuse from me.
As I said, those who choose not to get vaccinated can still contribute to herd immunity by getting infected. If that is their preferred method, they are free to make that choice.
My concern is solely for the people who want the vaccine and have yet to get it.
If you want to cherry pick nations, take a look at what is happening to what is considered the most vaccinated nation on earth, Seychelles. Big outbreak despite almost everyone being vaccinated.
The Hope-Simpson effect of viral spread doesn’t care if one is vaccinated or not.