Massachusetts Orders Rinks to Close Through November 7 To Control COVID-19

WCVB reports Massachusetts public health officials ordered all indoor ice rinks to close through November 7, reportedly in order to try to control “numerous outbreaks of COVID-19 that were traced back to hockey games”.

The Department of Public Health press release says, “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. Each of these includes two or more confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases, totaling 108 confirmed cases.”

Massachusetts joins nearby New Hampshire in locking down indoor ice arenas, although New Hampshire’s lockdown expires on October 29.

Massachusetts local arenas must close by 5:00pm Eastern Time on Friday.

This order specifically exempts college and professional programs.

Thanks to Don Warren for pointing out this important story.