Virtually the entire Vancouver Canucks team has contracted COVID-19

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Nearly the entire Vancouver Canucks team has been infected with the COVID-19 virus.

Twenty-five people linked to the team have tested positive, including 21 players. Of those players, three are on the taxi squad.

The remaining four infections are among staff members. One additional player is considered a close contact.

The Canucks say the source infection has been confirmed to be a variant, but it’s not yet clear which type.

Statement released by the #Canucks confirming 25 positive tests @NEWS1130 @Sportsnet650 pic.twitter.com/nbpnmMUaWg

— Chris Wahl (@wahlsy) April 7, 2021

A statement from the Canucks’ team physician, Dr. Jim Bovard, says an investigation by Vancouver Coastal Health and the team’s staff has found the outbreak is linked to one person contracting the virus in the community, “which has since been identified by public health as a public exposure location.”

He says the rapid infection of staff and players “indicates a link between contacts and the primary case.”

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“The health and safety of players, staff, families and the greater community remains the utmost priority. The Canucks are grateful for the continued support of local public health officials, the NHL and NHLPA and encourage everyone to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following health orders. COVID-19 infections are rising in BC. This is a stark reminder of how quickly the virus can spread and its serious impact, even among healthy, young athletes,” the statement read.

All players and staff are in quarantine. The team facilities have been closed since March 31, when the Canucks were due to host the Calgary Flames. That game was called off an hour and a half before puck drop.