Swiss Women’s Olympic Hockey Team Isolates Following Norovirus Diagnosis

The Swiss women’s hockey team is currently in isolation due to a norovirus diagnosis affecting one of its players. The Swiss Ice Hockey Federation announced this precautionary measure on Friday. This decision was implemented just before the team’s scheduled match against Canada on Saturday at 9:10 p.m. local time.

Background on Norovirus Diagnosis

The affected player received a positive test result following Switzerland’s thrilling 4-3 victory over the Czech Republic. This diagnosis occurred shortly before the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics. It is confirmed that the player did not participate in Friday’s game and has been isolated since the onset of symptoms.

Precautionary Measures for the Team

• The player has been living in a single room since arriving at the Olympic Village on February 2, 2026.
• No other players on the Swiss team are currently showing symptoms.
• The team will not take part in the opening ceremony due to the isolation decision.

Health officials consulted before this decision. According to experts, norovirus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in close quarters, such as Olympic facilities. Dr. Nitin Mohan, an infectious disease expert, describes the virus as a “sprinter of infectious diseases,” emphasizing its ability to proliferate quickly in busy environments.

Impact on Other Teams

This outbreak has affected not only Switzerland but also the Finnish women’s hockey team. Their opening game against Canada was postponed due to similar circumstances. The rescheduled match is now set for February 12 at 2:30 p.m. local time at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena.

As of now, the U.S. team is scheduled to play Finland at 4:40 p.m. on Saturday. Teams have been advised to stay updated on potential changes, with notifications expected by 11 a.m.

Looking Ahead: Men’s Olympic Tournament

The men’s Olympic hockey tournament will commence next week, with several NHL players already in Milan. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated that they are monitoring the situation closely and are in regular contact with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

As the takeover of norovirus continues to require careful management, all athletes and officials are urged to remain vigilant in maintaining health precautions during the Olympics.