COVID-19: Omi-can you not?

The GIST: No, you're not experiencing TikTok coffee–fueled flashbacks — COVID-19 is once again wreaking havoc on the (sports) world.

The latest: After Monday saw the NBA’s first COVID-19 postponements of the season and a single-day record 36 players testing positive in the NFL, even more news broke yesterday.

• After their Monday Night Football win over the Arizona Cardinals, the NFL’s LA Rams closed their training facility amid a 13-player outbreak.

• In the NHL, yesterday’s scheduled contest between the Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild was postponed after four Carolina players tested positive.

• And in the NBA, six additional Brooklyn Nets players (including superstar James Harden) were placed in COVID-19 protocols ahead of yesterday’s overtime win over the Toronto Raptors. Sheesh.

The response: With a potential fifth wave of the pandemic looming thanks to the Omicron variant, leagues are tightening their COVID-19 protocols.

• The NBA will increase testing for players who have not received a booster shot, while the NFL is mandating certain employees (including coaches, trainers and general managers) take the booster by December 27th.

• Transitioning to the impact on fans, a top infectious disease expert predicts Ontario will soon close NHL and NBA games to the public amid the expected Omicron surge. Onterrible, indeed.

The bigger picture: It’s been over two years since the first case of COVID-19 was detected, and its impact is still being felt by everyone. For the love of yourself, your community and for sports, if you haven’t already, it’s time to roll up your sleeve.