Senators player tests positive for COVID-19 virus

A player on the Ottawa Senators tested positive for the coronavirus, the team announced Tuesday, marking the first confirmed case in the NHL.

"The player has had mild symptoms and is in isolation," a statement said. All members of the team have been asked to remain isolated and monitor their health.

The Senators are notifying anyone who's known to have been in close contact with the player.

The NHL suspended its season March 12 amid the coronavirus outbreak. Commissioner Gary Bettman remains hopeful that the league will be able to resume its season at some point and award the Stanley Cup.

Ottawa played its final game before the pause against the Los Angeles Kings on March 11 at Staples Center. The Senators played in Anaheim one night prior, and their contest in San Jose against the Sharks on March 7 proceeded despite Santa Clara County public health officials recommending against large gatherings.

The World Health Organization classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic on the same date as Ottawa's most recent game. The spread of the virus has resulted in the cancellations and suspensions of leagues and tournaments across major and amateur sports worldwide.

Nearly every NHL team has formed a plan to compensate hourly workers who've lost shifts as a result of the hiatus.

Four members of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets, including star forward Kevin Durant, were confirmed to have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus earlier Tuesday.

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