The NHL announced on Monday that nine additional players tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the league's total to 35 confirmed cases since testing began in June.
Under Phase 2 protocol, 396 players returned to their markets to begin voluntary workouts. Eight of the most recent positive tests were conducted by the NHL at its testing facilities with one other player testing positive outside of the team markets.
Now, the NHL has tallied 23 cases within those who returned for optional participation and an additional 12 outside.
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The league released a statement explaining its positive cases as well as the extensive testing that has taken place since early June.
NHL statement on COVID-19 testing results: pic.twitter.com/NDWmOwnvnf
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) July 6, 2020
"As of Monday, July 6, the NHL has had 396 Players report to Club training/practice facilities for optional participation in Phase 2 activities," the statement read. "There have been in excess of 2,900 COVID-19 tests administered (including more than 1,400 this past week) to this group of Players. Those tests have resulted in a total of 23 returning confirmed positive tests results for COVID-19.
"In addition, since June 8 (the opening of Phase 2), the League is aware of 12 additional players who have tested positive for COVID-19 outside of the Phase 2 Protocol. All players who have tested positive have been self-isolated and are following CDC and Health Canada protocols. The NHL will continue to provide regular updates on the number of tests administered to Players and the results of those tests. The League will not be providing information on the identity of the Players or Clubs."
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Of those tested by the league, 5.8 percent have the virus. However, that does not include the 12 players outside NHL facilities and others yet to be tested.
The league did not disclose which teams have cases, but the Capitals have not yet reported any positive tests within their organization.
Phase 3 is now set to begin no earlier than July 13 after the league postponed the phase's start from July 10. The NHL season is set to resume July 30, and 24 teams will compete in an expanded postseason in two hub cities. While neither hub has been identified yet, reports suggest Edmonton and Toronto as the frontrunners.
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NHL reports nine new COVID-19 cases, bringing total to 35 originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
