The QMJHL announced Thursday that it has extended the pause to its season by an additional week.
Teams are now scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 14 and games are scheduled to resume in the week of Jan. 17.
The league says the decision was made with three factors in mind: To create a safe environment for players and staff, to support and facilitate their return to school, and to allow them to practice and work out.
The league initially paused team activities on Dec. 21 and at the time said the pause would run until at least Jan. 7.
In addition to the extension to the pause, the league says it has updated its COVID-19 protocols to include testing for players and staff prior to their return to the team.
The league intends to reschedule all games postponed due to the pause.