Lightning shut down after positive COVID tests

The Lightning have halted Phase 2 of their NHL restart.

As the NHL moves forward with its multi-tiered plan to restart the 2019-20 season after pausing due to the coronavirus, Tampa Bay will temporarily close its training facilities after three players and additional staffers tested positive for COVID-19, the team announced Friday.

“Those players have been selfisolated following CDC protocols and are asymptomatic other than a few cases of low-grade fever,” GM Julien BriseBois said in a statement. “The Lightning continue testing and are strictly following all NHL and government procedures as part of the league’s Phase 2 guidelines.”

Remaining players and staff are being tested. In the absence of any further positive tests, the Bolts facility is expected to reopen.

Florida has seen its coronavirus cases surge in recent days, potentially complicating the NBA and

MLS plans to reopen in Orlando.

“The Lightning are steadfast in doing all that we can to ensure the health and safety of our players, staff, fans and community,” BriseBois said. “With a significant rise in cases in the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the state of Florida, we are imploring everyone in the Bay Area, especially young people, to help slow the spread of this pandemic by diligently following the recommendations of government officials by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and continuing to wash their hands regularly. We need to work together as a community to slow the spread.”

The Lightning join the Bruins, Senators, Avalanche and Penguins in having players test positive for the novel coronavirus in recent weeks. The Lightning were the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference at the time of the coronavirus shutdown and are among the top contenders for the Stanley Cup.