Today, the NHL has released the second set of results of their testing protocols within the Phase 2 voluntary training program currently underway.
NHL statement on COVID-19 testing results: pic.twitter.com/HalBsLro77
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 29, 2020
This set of tests covers “in excess of 250” players. And “in excess of 1,450” tests administered. The total positive tests are 15. No clarity is provided if this includes the previous tests or not, but that seems to be the most likely interpretation.
The release also states that 11 players outside of the Phase 2 protocol, so players not training at any NHL rink, have had positive tests.
The first set of results was issued on Friday evening 10 days ago:
NHL statement on Phase 2 testing. pic.twitter.com/2FBhgdbFsP
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 19, 2020
In that announcement no precise number of players tested was provided, and no information on staff or non-player personnel was included, although many people in those categories are part of Phase 2 and are subject to twice-weekly tests.
Since Friday, very little extra detail has been provided. Gary Bettman made a statement on air during the draft lottery broadcast that implied most of these first 11 positive tests were from the initial test done before a player is allowed to join the training, but no numbers were even hinted at.
The Tampa Bay Lightning provided some clarity on their situation:
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 19, 2020
If we get clarity on these new numbers, we will update you.