BOSTON — Youth hockey has been temporarily halted in Massachusetts for the next two weeks, the Department of Public Health said on Thursday.
Citing rising cases of COVID-19, the DPH has issued a new public order prohibiting indoor ice rinks and ice skating facilities from operating effective 5 p.m. on Oct. 23 through 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 7. The order applies to all indoor ice rinks and skating facilities in the Commonwealth.
The order comes after multiple COVID-19 clusters were reported at rinks throughout the state following games, practices and tournaments. So far, there have been 30 COVID-19 clusters associated with ice hockey activities involving residents of more than 60 municipalities.
The clusters include two or more confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases, totaling 108 confirmed cases.
Health officials also said the temporary pause will allow for the state to implement stronger COVID-19 protocols to further protect players, families, coaches, arena staff and other participants, as well as communities close to the rinks.
Currently, there is a higher limitation on the number of people allowed inside an arena, social distancing measures are in place and other safety precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
New Hampshire has already enacted similar temporary restrictions as part of efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
The order does not apply to college and professional hockey.
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