Maple Leafs, Senators, Raptors have arena capacities reduced amid COVID-19 spread

COVID-19 outbreaks and surges throughout North America have begun affecting the sports world outside of positive test results, schedules and league protocols. 

According to Sportsnet, the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, along with the NBA's Toronto Raptors, have had arena capacities reduced to 50% for home games starting this Saturday due to rising COVID-19 cases linked with the Omicron variant. 

"This measure is being taken to reduce opportunities for close contact in high-risk indoor settings with large crowds and when masks are not always worn," the Ontario government explained in an official statement. 

The Maple Leafs and Senators are currently on the road, meaning Saturday's game between the Raptors and Golden State Warriors in Toronto will be the first top-tier professional sporting event held under these rules. Seventeen Ontario Hockey League teams will also have to follow the new guidelines. 

The government's update came shortly after a report emerged saying the NHL was implementing enhanced COVID-19 protocols for all teams. As of Wednesday, the Calgary Flames have had four games postponed this week because of a massive virus outbreak, and the Carolina Hurricanes had one contest called off. 

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association could soon agree to enhanced protocols: