The NHL will pause its season on Wednesday through Christmas Day in order to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

The league made the announcement on Monday night, after a day in which over 15% of the league’s players were put in virus protocols.

In total, 11 teams had their seasons paused over outbreaks before the league decided to pause play completely.

The NHL will mandate all teams close their facilities from Dec. 22-25. Players will return on Dec. 26 and games will resume the following day.

It has been a challenging week for the NHL, as 11 teams have suspended operations and the league postponed all games through Christmas that involved cross-border travel between Canada and the US.

More than 15% of the league’s players were in virus protocols as of Monday night.

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