Ontario Will Allow NHL Players To Eat Indoors Before Other Parts Of The Province

Ford's government will allow NHL players competing in Canada's North Division to use restaurants and bars this season. 

According to a government document, under Ontario's grey zone, indoor dining will still be closed to the public, however, NHL teams will be able to use these facilities. 

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The rules with the NHL are very much strict with their protocols, with their frequent testing, their isolation of their players to the extent, and especially very tight transport within Canada. Dr. David Williams, chief medical officer of health

The move was defended by Dr. David Williams, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, during a press conference on Monday. 

"There are some players, of course, this is not their home, and they require someplace to have some eating and food facilities," he added.

Williams states that eating indoors will be part of the team's "bubble" structure. 

Other businesses and places that can be used by the NHL teams include hotels, indoor fitness facilities and pools.  

"So that's all part of their bubble, if you may use that term, which they have strictly laid out in their protocol," Williams concluded.

The league will submit a full list of businesses that they wish to use, which will pend approval from the office of the Chief Medical Officer. 

The Ontario government revealed last month that the Leafs and the Ottawa Senators would play in their home arenas this season.

The decision came after lengthy planning period with the NHL and the creation of an all-Canadian division.