(Reuters) – The National Hockey League (NHL), announced that it has increased COVID-19 restrictions and daily testing in light of Omicron variant’s emergence and a rise in positive cases between teams.

These measures mean that players are now tested each day and not every three days. They do not have to take tests on the off-days.

After consultation with the NHL (NHLPA) and its players’ organization (NHLPA), additional testing might be performed before a game if an outbreak is detected within a team.

This decision follows Friday’s NHL shutdown of nL1N2T222S Calgary Flames, Colorado, and Florida Panthers until Dec. 26, due to COVID-19 issues.

ESPN claims that over 130 NHL players are on the COVID-19 protocol.

In a statement, the NHL stated that enhanced measures will apply to both fully-vaccinated and non-vaccinated NHL players at least through January 7.

The statement stated that the NHLPA and NHL will reevaluate these enhanced measures no later than January 7, 2022.

According to the league, preventive measures follow last year’s protocol.

It is strongly recommended that all players, including those who are travelling with the team, wear masks in indoor and public places.

These measures include an interdiction on eating or drinking indoor bars, restaurants and other similar establishments that are open to the general public while the teams are driving. This will prevent the team from using public transport, and reduce interactions with the public.

Parties organized by clubs are not allowed. All members of the travelling team are forbidden from engaging in conversation or signing autographs.

The league stated that the enhanced measures were intended to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, and early detection of cases to reduce the risk of further transmission.

It is unclear if the NHL will postpone its games, which could affect their plans to send world-class players to the February 4-20 Beijing Olympics.

NHL agrees to allow players to participate in Beijing. The NHL also accepts a schedule break to accommodate this. But it is open to withdrawing on its own in the event of an excessive amount COVID-19 disruptions that force games to be rescheduled in the Olympic window.