Eastern Ontario hockey leagues to play on for now

It's not exactly hockey as usual, but amateur leagues will continue in the Ottawa region at least for now.

The governing body that regulates amateur hockey across eastern Ontario says it will allow its modified programs to continue, in spite of an increase in COVID-19 cases across the province.

Monday's announcement from Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) comes two days after the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) said it would postpone all sanctioned activities until January 2021 due to rapidly risingCOVID-19 infection rates in the GTA.

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In its release, HEO called the decision from the GTHL "a local one based on the circumstances present in their area of operations."

"HEO has no plans at this time to postpone operations," said president Gary Hopkinsin thestatement.

Protocols in place

Many discussions took place inrinks over the weekend as to whether HEO would the GTHL's lead.

Instead, HEOwill continue with its"return to hockey" plan, Hopkins said, one that lays out a series of COVID-19 protocols designed to prevent transmission.

Those protocols include screening players for symptoms, limiting player cohorts, and maintaining physical distance while on the ice.

HEOsaid it remains in close contact with the four public health units within its region, as well as its own chief medical officer, and will "continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation very closely."

"We understand that the recent increase in cases is concerning, and we may need to adjust our approach if the situation continues to worsen," said Hopkins.