The Finnish women’s hockey team is dealing with a norovirus outbreak, which postponed Thursday’s scheduled game between Finland and Canada.
A Finnish Ice Hockey Association spokesperson told The Associated Press that 13 players had been either infected or placed in quarantine.
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“While all stakeholders recognize the disappointment of not playing the game as originally scheduled, this was a responsible and necessary decision that reflects the spirit of the Olympic Games and the integrity of the competition,” Olympic officials announced.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus often referred to as the “stomach bug.” It causes vomiting and diarrhea, and it can lead to dehydration. Norovirus can pose a particular risk to athletes because of the potential for spread in close-contact environments like locker rooms.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, most people with norovirus illness recover within a few days, but they are still contagious for a few days afterward.
The International Olympic Committee said there were "plans and procedures in place to detect and manage any such cases when they arise."
Finland first noticed something was wrong Tuesday night. On Thursday, the team held a practice, and by the end, it had only 10 healthy players left.
“Most of [the sick players] are getting better but not healthy enough to play,” Finnish coach Tero Lehterä told the AP. “And there’s the chance that if we would play it could influence Team Canada and their health, as well.”
The Finnish players were trying to keep their spirits up. “It’s not nice, definitely. But we try to focus one day at a time,” captain Jenni Hiirikoski told the AP. “The big thing has been how we tolerate different things. I think we try to help each other, whatever it is and how it goes. So it’s just stay calm and focused.”
Finland has historically had a competitive women’s hockey team. It won the bronze medal at the last two Winter Olympics.
The Finland-Canada game was rescheduled for Feb. 12 at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena.
