The NHL has instructed its players and team staff to extend their ongoing self-isolation by 10 days due to the spread of the coronavirus, reports Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

The decision was relayed to general managers and league officials in a conference call on Tuesday, Johnston adds.

On March 16, the NHL permitted players to fly home if they self-quarantined through March 27. The new protocol will take the quarantine period to at least April 6.

The league shut down operations on March 12 and has been weighing several options for potentially resuming play. At this point, a priority for the league is ensuring the 2020-21 schedule isn't affected by playing out the remainder of the current season.

Meanwhile, two members of the Ottawa Senators are the only NHL players who've been known to test positive for the virus.

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