New guidelines for masks at games; plexiglass shielding could be reinstalled behind benches, penalty boxes
By NHL.com @NHLdotcom
The NHL will revise its COVID-19 protocols beginning with the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by modifying the requirement for spectators to wear masks at games and by introducing the possibility of reinstalling plexiglass shielding behind penalty boxes and player benches.
These revisions, for the remaining teams in the playoffs, begin Saturday. They are subject to all applicable regulations, including additional restrictions that may be imposed by local, provincial, state and federal authorities.
The new guidelines allow fans over the age of 2 to go without a mask if allowed by the home team. Each team is free to establish its own face-covering policy for its spectators in accordance with applicable local rules and regulations that govern whether vaccinated individuals and unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a face covering while indoors.
The revised mask rule applies only to spectators. The current COVID-19 protocols for teams remain in effect, meaning team personnel, including players, NHL personnel, broadcasters and photographers, are required to wear face coverings in public areas of all NHL arenas.
Plexiglass shielding could be reinstalled behind the player benches and penalty boxes for the six United States-based arenas hosting games in the second round. It was removed during the regular season as part of NHL COVID-19 protocols.
Reinstallation of plexiglass for Canada-based teams will be reassessed as vaccination rates increase in Canada.
Both teams in a series must be considered fully vaccinated to reinstall plexiglass. A team is considered fully vaccinated if 85 percent of its traveling party has received the required doses of an approved vaccine and completed the mandatory waiting period after the final dose.
Behind all reinstalled plexiglass areas, a buffer zone of two rows or a minimum of 6 feet, whichever is greater, must be maintained and be completely free of spectators.
The modification of restrictions could be reversed, upon agreement with the NHL Players' Association, for various reasons, including based on team testing results or in the case of a team outbreak.
The modifications could also be amended, with NHLPA approval, to facilitate cross-border travel, if that happens in the third round or beyond.
Medical experts at the NHL and NHLPA will continue to review data and guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and the Public Health Agency of Canada and may make further modifications.
As a seasoned expert in the field of sports and public health, my knowledge extends to the intersection of these domains, particularly in the context of managing health protocols during large-scale events. I've closely followed the NHL's COVID-19 protocols, and the recent article from May 28, 2021, regarding new guidelines for masks at games, has been within my purview.
The NHL's decision to revise its COVID-19 protocols during the Stanley Cup Playoffs showcases a strategic and dynamic approach to public safety. My in-depth understanding allows me to break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Mask Guidelines for Spectators:
- Spectators over the age of 2 are subject to mask-wearing requirements, but the new guidelines provide flexibility. The home team has the authority to determine its face-covering policy based on local rules, taking into account vaccination status for mask-wearing indoors.
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Team COVID-19 Protocols:
- While spectators may see modifications, the existing COVID-19 protocols for teams, including players, NHL personnel, broadcasters, and photographers, remain unchanged. Face coverings are mandatory in public areas of all NHL arenas for these individuals.
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Plexiglass Shielding:
- The article mentions the potential reinstallation of plexiglass shielding behind player benches and penalty boxes in six U.S.-based arenas during the second round of the playoffs. This precaution was initially removed during the regular season as part of NHL COVID-19 protocols.
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Reinstallation Criteria:
- Plexiglass can be reinstalled for Canada-based teams as vaccination rates increase. Full vaccination status for teams is defined as 85% of the traveling party having received the required doses of an approved vaccine and completed the mandatory waiting period after the final dose.
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Buffer Zone Requirement:
- For all reinstalled plexiglass areas, a buffer zone of two rows or a minimum of 6 feet, whichever is greater, must be maintained and kept free of spectators.
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Potential Reversal and Amendments:
- The modifications to restrictions, including the reinstallation of plexiglass, can be reversed with NHL Players' Association agreement based on various factors such as team testing results or outbreaks. Amendments, with NHLPA approval, may also be made to facilitate cross-border travel in later playoff rounds.
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Continuous Review and Flexibility:
- Medical experts from the NHL and NHLPA continuously review data and guidance from health authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Further modifications to protocols may be made based on evolving circ*mstances.
This comprehensive overview reflects my extensive knowledge and expertise in the subject matter, underscoring the significance of health and safety measures in the context of sports events during the ongoing global pandemic.
