(WHDH)– Due to the rising number of coronavirus cases, Massachusetts state health officials have made the move to shut down indoor ice rinks and ice skating facilities through November 7.
There have been at least 30 clusters of COVID-19 associated with organized ice hockey activities involving residents from more than 60 municipalities in Massachusetts, according to the Department of Public Health.
Each of these clusters was said to include two or more confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases, totaling 108 confirmed cases.
Officials hope the pause will allow them time to reimagine safety protocols.
“While this is not a situation that anyone desires, the Commonwealth feels strongly that the hockey community has contributed to the increase in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks and that it is appropriate to reassess the guidance as it currently stands,” Mass. Hockey officials wrote in a statement. “As we have been throughout this process, we will be working closely with the Governor and his leadership team to create a safe environment for our players and their families.”
Some Massachusetts hockey players said they were hit hard by the news that they will be off the ice for at least two weeks.
“I’ve been remote and hockey is like my only time out of the house. So it’s going to be hard not playing,” Natalie Duncan said.
Spikes linked to ice hockey have been reported in a number of other states including neighboring New Hampshire which has enacted its own restrictions on the sport.
College and professional programs are exempt from this order.
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