Hockey

NHL extends self-quarantine period until April 30 due to COVID-19

The NHL has extended its self-quarantine recommendation for an additional 15 days to April 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The NHL put its 2019-20 campaign on pause March 12.

Commissioner Bettman has floated options of shortened season, neutral site games

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who put the season on pause March 12 due to the coronavirus outbreak, has extended the self-quarantine period twice since then, including Tuesday. (Charles Krupa/Associated Press/File)

The NHL has extended its self-quarantine recommendation for an additional 15 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The league announced Tuesday that the recommendation, which applies to players, coaches and staff, has been prolonged until April 30 following consultation with medical experts and representatives from the NHL Players' Association.

The NHL put its 2019-20 campaign on pause March 12 with 189 regular-season games remaining. Commissioner Gary Bettman said at the time he was optimistic the season would resume, though the duration of the self-quarantine recommendation has been pushed back twice since then.

The regular season was initially scheduled to end April 4, with the playoffs starting four days later.

WATCH | Gary Bettman not ruling out any options for NHL's possible return:

Bettman: NHL's return 'depends on things we have absolutely no control over'

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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman spoke with CNN's Anderson Cooper to discuss how the league is exploring options to return while the sports world remains on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A resumed season would see games potentially stretching into August or September in order to squeeze in a Stanley Cup final before the 2020-21 season is scheduled to start in October.

Bettman has previously floated the option of playing a shortened regular season should the league return to action, as well as hosting games at neutral sites if some teams are not permitted to return to their home arenas.

WATCH | From table tennis to Tiger King, idle NHLers staying busy:

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From Ping Pong to Tiger King, these three are keeping busy.