Senators player tests positive for coronavirus; first known case in NHL

An Ottawa Senators player has tested positive for the coronavirus, the team announced Tuesday night.

It is the first known coronavirus case in the NHL.

The Senators did not release the player's identity but said he had mild symptoms and is in isolation.

"The Ottawa Senators are in the process of notifying anyone who has had known close contact with the athlete and are working with our team doctors and public health officials," the team said in a statement. "As a result of this positive case, all members of the Ottawa Senators are requested to remain isolated, to monitor their health and seek advice from our team medical staff."

The NHL put a pause on its season last week. The league initially told players to remain in their home playing cities, but on Monday it sent a memo telling players they could travel anywhere, including overseas, to their home countries. The NHL stipulated that players should self-quarantine when they arrived.

The NHL and National Hockey League Players' Association agreed to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation that events of 50 or more people be canceled for eight weeks.

"The health of our players, fans, and community remains our highest priority," the Senators said in a statement. "We will continue to do everything we can to help ensure our players, staff, fans and the greater community remain safe and healthy during this time of uncertainty due to the spread of the coronavirus."