Report: Tampa Bay Lightning close practice facility after COVID-19 outbreak

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On Friday, it was reported that several players and staff members from the Tampa Bay Lightning tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the organization to close its practice facility. 

NHL teams have been allowed to hold small group workouts with only six players on the ice at once and other restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 since Monday, June 8. Only non-contact drills are permitted at the workouts.

"It’s my understanding one NHL club has had to temporarily close its training facilities during Phase Two because multiple players and some staff have tested positive for Covid-19," TSN's Bob McKenzie tweeted on Friday. 

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the team McKenzie mentioned was the Lightning via Twitter. 

ESPN later confirmed both accounts, adding that other players and staff members who had been at the facility are also being tested. Also, Tampa Bay and the NHL will figure out how to move forward based on the results of the tests.

On Friday, Florida reported 3,822 new cases of COVID-19, a new single-day record. Additonally on Friday, the Philadelphia Phillies shut down their training facility in Clearwater, 23 miles from Tampa Bay, after five players and three staff members tested positive for the virus.

Training camp for the NHL's 24-team playoff format is being targeted for July 10. The NHL is finalizing which two teams will serve as the hub cities hosting the action.

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