Northeastern University to hold sporting events without spectators due to COVID-19 surges

Northeastern University is taking a significant step to prevent the spread of COVID-19 amid surging cases linked with the Omicron variant. 

The university's athletic program announced Friday that all home events will be held without spectators beginning on Sunday (Dec. 19). 

"The decision was made out of an abundance of caution due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases on the Boston campus, primarily in the student population, including some cases of the Omicron variant," the school said in its statement. 

"Early research suggests that the Omicron variant is more transmissible than previous variants of the virus, but leads to less severe outcomes for infected individuals—especially those who are vaccinated," chancellor and senior vice president for learning Kenneth W. Henderson wrote in a separate message.

Judging by the athletic department's release, these new protocols will run through at least Jan. 5. 

Quebec public health officials requested that Thursday's game between the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers be played with no fans in attendance due to COVID-19 spikes. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Raptors have had their arena capacities reduced for home games, and it appears the Vancouver Canucks will soon join them: