Today, the NHL released their first testing results of Phase 3 aka training camp. This runs through to July 17.
NHL statement on COVID-19 testing results: pic.twitter.com/C137laTvbH
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) July 20, 2020
These tests including the initial tests for new players who were not in Phase 2 arriving at their team sites, and the continual testing of all players every 2 days. There were two confirmed positive tests from the 800+ player pool.
As always, the NHL does not release any information on staff testing, which is also mandated in the Phase 3 protocols.
As training camp began, the NHL instituted a policy where teams are only allowed to release minimal information about players who are injured or absent. Immediately there was a rash of players declared “unfit to play” or “unavailable to play”. Many assumptions were made about the rate of positive tests based on this while coaches have had to struggle with media requests they can’t fulfill on player status.
Sheldon Keefe said his level of concern is "low" that Zach Hyman will miss Game 1 against Columbus, but didn't expand: "I don't know what I'm supposed to say or can't say."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 19, 2020
Some players listed as unavailable are almost certainly still in self-isolation after arriving from other countries.
We will get the results of tests since July 17 next week, but in the meantime, players are coming close to a deadline they all want to meet:
Any positive tests, teams would likely re-test immediately to rule out false positives* but each test has turn around time, and there is little margin for error. Have heard stories of teams testing twice the required amount the last 10 days or so to make sure they’re good.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) July 20, 2020
(All positive tests are immediately retested for confirmation per the Phase 3/4 testing protocol.)
For players not able to make the charter in, there are contingency plans in place and protocols to get them into the bubble once clear, but may take some time. These testing protocols were the safeties put in place to allow the Fed and Prov border quarantines to be flexible.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) July 20, 2020
These were the final testing numbers from Phase 2:
NHL statement on COVID-19 testing results: pic.twitter.com/lAkEQJ0B8N
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) July 13, 2020