The National Hockey League is looking at ways to help stop the spread of coronavirus after recommendations against travelling and holding large gatherings of people were issued to help prevent the contagion of COVID-19.
The Toronto Maple Leafs is now going a step further as the team announced on Wednesday that it has grounded their scouts from flying to games amid growing concerns about the spread of coronavirus, per Sportsnet.
“The team initially stopped air travel for its European-based scouts when the outbreak hit there a couple weeks ago and has since expanded that directive to amateur and professional scouts here in North America.
Some members of Toronto’s 25-person scouting staff have continued to travel to games by car.
It’s believed a handful of other NHL teams have enacted similar measures with their scouts, although no specific mandate has been handed down from the league office. Teams have been told to “use their best judgment and to consider implementing policies that restrict non-essential travel,” according to deputy commissioner Bill Daly.”
The organization continues to monitor the situation as is the rest of the league. The Montreal Canadiens have just decided to take on the same approach with their scouts.
On Tuesday, the Santa Clara County ordered no gatherings larger than 1,000 through the end of March due to coronavirus concerns, the San Jose Sharks released a statement saying they will adhere to the guidelines and review the remaining home games on the calendar.
