Covid-19 Outbreak In Edmonton Threatens NHL's Return

Edmonton and Toronto are reported to be selected as the hub cities to host the 2020 NHL Playoffs. However, a Covid-19 outbreak in the City of Edmonton may threaten the resumption of play before the puck is even dropped.

Edmonton's Misericordia Hospital is facing a 'full facility outbreak' after 20 patients and 15 staff members have tested positive for Covid-19. Health authorities have shut down emergency room services and will only permit visitors for "end-of-life situations."

The current rate of players testing positive for Covid-19 has been roughly 5% - 6%. If players and staff follow the quarantine guidelines perfectly, there should not be any concerns regardless of the host city. However, one must forecast mistakes and accidents and proactively mitigate the potential harm. Perhaps choosing a different hub city would be the NHL's best option to proactively mitigate the potential threat posed by the Covid-19 outbreak at Edmonton's Misericordia Hospital

More @CBCNews: Edmonton's Misericordia hospital closed to new patients as COVID-19 outbreak intensifies. https://t.co/zgxvUQQd9i

— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) July 8, 2020