EDMONTON -- Oilers captain Connor McDavid, joined by his dog Lenny, are encouraging safe hygiene practices during the COVID-19 outbreak, such as social distancing.

“What one person does affects the others and we all need to make sure that we’re being safe,” McDavid said in a video posted to Twitter.

No. 97 added he will be staying home.

“Like a lot of you just stuck inside, practicing my social distancing, trying to control this thing before it gets out of hand.”

On Tuesday, Alberta's total number of cases rose to 97 and the government announced a state of public health emergency.

“Take care of yourselves," McDavid told fans. "Looking forward to getting back on the ice soon.”

The Oilers cancelled all practices after the remaining 2019-2020 NHL season was suspended amidst COVID-19 fears.​​

The NHL has not released a timeline on when the season might be able to resume.

Players were told by the league they could return home, even if that is outside North America, though they must self-isolate.

With files from The Associated Press