1) Coronavirus continues to cause concern for many
There was a reasonable chance the Senators’ game in San Jose against the Sharks on Saturday was going to be canceled. In fact, as reported by The Canadian Press via TSN, it was recommended all large gatherings in the county where SAP Center is located should be canceled.
As of Thursday, 20 people had tested positive for coronavirus in Santa Clara County. In this respect, it was no surprise the announced attendance for the Shark’s home game that night was a season-low 14,517.
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Despite all this, however, the decision was made to go ahead with the game between the Senators and Sharks. No matter how much advice is given, no matter how many precautions are taken, the risks are still evident.
In fact, as per Rick Westhead of TSN, the NHL’s decision to reject the Santa Clara County department of public health’s recommendation to postpone the Sharks’ game on Thursday has been met with criticism. Several infectious disease experts have advised indoor venues such as NHL arenas are ideal breeding grounds for the spread of coronavirus.
At this time it is a fine balancing act between taking the necessary precautions and not overreacting. Fair or not, critics will undoubtedly argue that the NHL is prioritizing money and profit over the well-being of people.
Sports leagues and tournaments on other continents have been playing games in empty stadiums, or canceling events altogether. It seems like only a matter of time a similar fate happens to the NHL and other sports leagues in North America.
The problem is that you no longer have to have traveled to countries like China or go on cruise ships, to catch the infection. As reported by Roni Caryn Rabin of The New York Times, community transmission of coronavirus is now taking place.
While the debate over what commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHL should do continues, it is worth noting that it soon might not even matter. Speaking to Westhead, Dr. Isaac Bogoch of the University of Toronto suggested coronavirus will become so widespread, it will be irrelevant if fans are banned or games are canceled.
What stood out for you most from the start of the month for the Ottawa Senators? What is your take on Melnyk’s decision to fire Little? How concerned are you by coronavirus? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.