Wheeler calls on Manitoba premier to make masks mandatory

Blake Wheeler wants something done in his team's city amid a resurgence of COVID-19 cases.

The outspoken Winnipeg Jets captain expressed that sentiment in a tweet to Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister on Sunday.

@BrianPallister time for universal mask mandate. Why not? Let's take care of each other.

- Blake Wheeler (@BiggieFunke) September 20, 2020

The province in which Wheeler plays reported 28 new cases Sunday morning, bringing the total number to 1,586. Twenty-three of the new positive tests came in Winnipeg.

"There has been a concerning increase in the number of cases in Winnipeg, with many cases having large numbers of close contacts," the Government of Manitoba said in a statement.

Wheeler has often used his platform to advocate for positive social change. The Minnesota-born forward authored a powerful plea in the aftermath of George Floyd's death in police custody in late May.

In April, Wheeler replied, "No" to President Donald Trump's tweet pressuring the player's home state to end its lockdown.

The 34-year-old winger has played the last nine seasons with the Jets and the last 10 with the franchise, serving as captain for the last four.

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