With all teams now settling into the bubble for the World Junior Hockey Championships in Alberta, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has announced positive tests for COVID-19 among those attending. The 10 positive results come from Team Germany and Team Sweden, according to the IIHF, with eight players from the German team testing positive and two staff members from the Swedish contingent.
Since the teams have entered the competition bubble, a total of over 2,000 tests were conducted on all players, staff, and game officials. As a result of the 10 positive tests, IIHF has taken the following steps:
- Team Germany will remain in quarantine until 24 December, while Team Sweden will remain in quarantine until 21 December, with the exception of players and staff who are exempt from serving a longer quarantine period based on previous PCR positive COVID-19 test that provide a personal immunity and no threat of infection to others.
IIHF stated the above-mentioned decisions have been made through open and daily communication of present testing results to Alberta Health Service, and under the guidance of both AHS and the IIHF medical staff in order to comply with the most current medical protocols.
The 2021 world juniors are slated to officially begin on Dec. 25, with the tournament ending with a gold-medal game held on Jan. 5.
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