21 Canucks players, 4 staff members tested positive for COVID-19

The Vancouver Canucks announced Wednesday that 21 players and four staff members have now tested positive for COVID-19. An additional player is considered a close contact.

An ongoing investigation by Vancouver Coastal Health and the Canucks' contract tracing staff revealed that the source infection was obtained by a single individual in a community setting, which has since been identified by health officials as a public exposure location. The rapid spread through the team indicates a link between the initial case and that individual's contacts.

The Canucks said the source infection is confirmed as being a variant, but full genome sequencing by the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control is required to determine the specific type. It was previously reported to be the Brazil variant.

Symptoms of those infected by the variant reportedly included vomiting, cramping, and dehydration. Family members of the players and staff have also contracted the virus.

Vancouver's games remain postponed until further notice.

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