The NHL is still set to have Edmonton has a hub city despite an uptick in COVID-19 cases at an area hospital. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

NHL still planning for Edmonton hub despite COVID-19 outbreak at hospital?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/8/20

Weeks before NHL clubs and other personnel travel to hub sites at Edmonton and Toronto to complete the 2019-20 season amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, one city is reporting a virus outbreak at a local medical facility.

On Wednesday, Nicole Bergot of the Edmonton Journal wrote that an outbreak at Edmonton’s Misericordia Hospital has killed three patients, infected 20 other patients and affected at least 15 staff members.

Per Bergot, Alberta Health Services offered the following in an official statement:

“In order to reduce the risk of further transmission of COVID-19, all services at the Misericordia are temporarily closed to incoming patients. Patients are being contacted and will be cared for and/or rescheduled at another Edmonton hospital. We appreciate your patience at this time.”

The Hockey News Editor in Chief Jason Kay tweeted that NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly responded to the news by saying that these events won't affect the league's schedule as of right now:

An Edmonton hospital has effectively shut its doors to the public due to a full-facility COVID outbreak, according to reports. @NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says "at this point" he doesn't expect the outbreak to impact the league's hub city announcement.
— Jason Kay (@JKTHN) July 8, 2020

Kay added the hospital isn't close to where games will be held:

I don't disagree. The hospital in question is a 17-min drive from Rogers Centre, and across the street from West Edmonton Mall, according to Google Maps.
— Jason Kay (@JKTHN) July 8, 2020

On Monday, the NHL announced teams will travel to the hubs in Edmonton and Toronto on July 26. Qualifying round games begin on Aug. 1.

The NHL has, however, been open to changing dates, arenas and even cities per evolving circumstances during an uncontrolled virus outbreak that has left leagues and competitions searching for the best protocols to return to play this summer.

More must-reads: