The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a new public health order prohibiting indoor ice rinks and ice skating facilities from operating from Oct. 23 to Nov. 7 due to COVID-19.
Collins-Moylan Arena in Greenfield is among the rinks subject to the temporary closure, and the facility, which is owned and operated by FMC Ice Sports, said on its Facebook page that there would likely be modifications to the guidance before rinks would be allowed to reopen in November.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disruption that this creates for our hockey and skating community but hope you’ll understand that it is being done to ensure the safety of everybody involved in the sport and our greater communities,” FMC Ice Sports said in its post. “We will update you with more information as it becomes available. Thank you for your patience and loyalty on behalf of all of us at FMC.”
The state’s order comes in response to “multiple COVID-19 clusters occurring at rinks throughout the state following games, practices and tournaments.” The release pointed to neighboring states, including New Hampshire, which have enacted similar temporary restrictions on indoor ice hockey.
Professional and college hockey teams and activities were not included in the temporary order.
The DPH said that at least 30 clusters of COVID-19 have been associated with organized ice hockey activities in the state, involving more than 60 municipalities. Each of those clusters included two or more confirmed or probably COVID-19 cases, with the total adding up to 108 confirmed cases.
“This pause will allow for the development of stronger COVID-19 protocols to further protect players, families, coaches, arena staff and other participants, as well as communities surrounding hockey rinks,” the DPH offered in its statement.
Currently, the protocols for indoor ice hockey include limitations on the number of people allowed inside an arena, as well as social distancing and other safety measures.