The COVID-19 outbreak for the Vancouver Canucks continues to get worse with each passing day.
As of this morning, over 20 players and coaches had been confirmed to have entered COVID protocol, and I’m sure that more will be added to that list in the coming days.
Number of positive cases climbing within the Vancouver Canucks. More than 20 players/coaches combined have tested positive. Variant symptoms include vomiting, cramping and dehydration. Family members are getting it. Scary situation. Next 5-7 days will determine scheduling.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 4, 2021
Many of those names, such as Adam Gaudette’s, come as no surprise since we’ve known about their infections for a few days now. However, the scary thing is the number of players who have family members that might be more at risk if they contracted the virus.
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Travis Hamonic, for example, decided not to participate in the NHL’s return to play plan last summer since he was worried about putting his family at risk of COVID. Tyler Myers shared similar concerns before ultimately deciding to join the Canucks in the playoff bubble, so it’s undoubtedly scary to see his name on the list.
Meanwhile, Bo Horvat’s son Gunnar isn’t even one yet, so here’s hoping that the younger Horvat won’t be put at more risk of contracting the virus. Jayce Hawyrluk was actually infected last summer so this is his second time landing in COVID protocol, and this was made possible because the virus that the team contracted is of the new Brazilian variant, which is unrelated to previous infections.
Have confirmed that Jayce Hawryluk has tested positive for COVID-19, which suggests he's one of the players who is dealing with the P.1 variant. Lots of evidence from Brazil that P.1 doesn't care about previous infection and why it's such a scary variant.https://t.co/cycm2webZs
— Patrick Johnston (@risingaction) April 3, 2021
The only good news is that no support staff have tested positive at this point, although there’s no guarantee that it will stay that way.
Hearing that the #Canucks have submitted their COVID protocol list to the league.
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) April 3, 2021
Expecting multiple additional names and I'm told that at least 1 player, not on the list, is a "high risk close contact".
Rare piece of good news this week: no support staff have tested positive.
Again, hockey should be the last thing on our minds right now and the Canucks’ season should be cancelled if it means ensuring the safety of the players and everyone involved.
Also, to everyone reading this, please stay safe out there. COVID cases in B.C. continue to skyrocket and this Brazilian variant is still new and its potential dangers remain relatively unknown. Take care, everyone.