Official in California says summer will be long over before sports returns to the state

An official with Santa Clara County, where the San Jose Sharks play, is dashing any hopes of hockey returning to California in the summer. Dr. Jeffrey Smith, Santa Clara County executive officer, told other officials during a meeting this week that he did not expect there would be “any sports games until at least Thanksgiving, and we'd be lucky to have them by Thanksgiving. This is not something that's going to be easy to do.”

Dr. Smith added that once the stay-at-home order is lifted, more people will get sick.

“There will definitely be individuals who will get sick. And because there are individuals who get sick, there will be individuals who die after the order is released, unless we come up with a foolproof immunization, which is highly unlikely."

California, initially one of the hardest-hit states, is now seeing a fraction of the cases and deaths of other states. By Tuesday night, California had reported more than 17,600 cases of COVID-19 and over 400 deaths; New York has reported more than 139,000 cases and more than 5,400 fatalities.

The NHL is still hopeful to have hockey return to finish the 2019-20 season in the summer. Several scenarios are being looked at, including having games take place without spectators in areas with lower population density. However, it's worth noting that Dr. Smith's estimation for the return of sports could end up causing issues for next season as well, if he is right.

Source: L.A. Times

MUST READ

54 minutes ago  |  By Skyler Walker There will be consequences after Arber Xhekaj reveals what an opponent said to him on the ice

2 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker The worst is confirmed for John Tortorella and the Golden Knights ahead of Game 2 against Colorado

2 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Martin St-Louis has left the Canadiens organization after game one win and the exact reason is pinpointed

3 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker NHL player safety surprises fans with decision after Canadiens game 1

4 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Angela Price confirms Carey Price rumor that has Canadiens fans buzzing

4 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Ex-NHL GM reveals worrisome details about Maple Leafs' search before John Chayka hire

5 hours ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau Avalanche fans are getting worried after new Cale Makar development surfaced

6 hours ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau What referees told Jakub Dobes during the crease altercation is going viral

MORE STORIES