The WHL announced Wednesday evening that the Kelowna Rockets would be shutting down activities for a minimum of 14 days after two staff members and four players tested positive for COVID-19.
The shutdown will run through Wednesday, April 14.
The positive tests came after one positive was recorded in a team staff member on Mar. 30. Following that result, the WHL instructed the Rockets to enter the portion of the return-to-play protocol covering such an issue, with the team taking the following actions:
- Players and hockey staff were immediately isolated and tested;
- B.C. Health Officials have been contacted by the WHL;
- All close contacts have been instructed to self-quarantine and monitor symptoms for 14 days;
- The Kelowna Rockets will be assisting B.C. Health Officials with contact tracing.
As a result, 10 games the Rockets were to play through the Apr. 15 have now been postponed, with no make-up dates announced.
In addition, the regular season game between Vancouver and Prince George was also postponed. Vancouver was the last team to play Kelowna before the outbreak, defeating the Rockets 6-0.
The WHL said in it’s press release it will continue to work in consultation with B.C. Health Authorities on when it is safe for the Kelowna Rockets to resume team activities.
