One Kazakhstan player tested positive and is self-isolating, the IIHF said, but that is the only case.

Players and officials in the bubble are due to be tested every three days until the tournament concludes on June 6.

Italy's preparations for the World Championship were hampered by a coronavirus outbreak, with 15 cases reported and numerous others having to self-isolate because they were close contacts, so news of no further positives is welcome.

The World Championship began yesterday, with the host nation beating Canada in the standout result.

Kazakstan's first game is versus Latvia today.

Latvia's Parliament voted this week to order the Government to come up with a plan for fans to be admitted to watch games - against the wishes of the Prime Minister and Health Minister.

When the admission of spectators will start is unclear, with the tournament beginning in front of empty stands and cardboard cut-outs in Riga yesterday.

Latvia is hosting the IIHF's flagship tournament for men alone after Belarus was stripped of co-hosting honours.

When announcing that decision, the IIHF cited "growing safety and security concerns related to both the rising political unrest and COVID-19" for taking the tournament away from Belarus.

This year's World Championship for women was called off because of the global health crisis, which led to authorities Nova Scotia pulling the plug.

The IIHF insists it intends to still play the tournament in 2021.