Some glimpses of how the Covid protocol will look like:
Four bubble principle introduced - players and coaches, staff, media and fans (if any), essentially these groups would not mix with others in any way. Players staying at a single hotel, each team has their own dedicated floors, active testing program. A separate hotel for referees, and separate hotels for other staff/media.
Teams will have to arrive by May 16, no exhibition games can be played in Riga, players will have to stay in the hotel for 2 days, before even any team practice is allowed. Additional 6 players may arrive during tournament - self-isolate for 2 days, then can practice for 3 days with team and only then join games. If exhibition games are scheduled before coming to Riga, their health protocol has to be approved by IIHF.
N.B. A side note - even though C19 rates are decreasing in Latvia, due to expected third wave and overall precaution due to very low vaccination rates and bad management of second wave I don't see any chance of self-isolation rules to be lifted for foreign tourists by WC. I would say there is only a 1:4 likelihood of let's say 1000 local fans being let in Arena Riga.
