Coronavirus: Info, advice and Leicestershire & Rutland CFA's stance
CORONAVIRUS: INFO, ADVICE AND Leicestershire & Rutland CFA'S STANCE
**Updated 09.00am 17/03/2020**
What is the FA's stance right now?
FA Spokesperson: "Following the Government’s announcement today, for people to avoid social contact and gatherings where possible, we are now advising that all grassroots football in England is postponed for the foreseeable future.
Throughout this period, we have taken Government advice with the priority being the health and wellbeing of all. We will continue to work closely with the grassroots game during this time.
We are in regular communication with the Government and the situation within English football at all levels remains under regular review. Further updates will follow as needed."
What is Leicestershire & Rutland CFA’s stance right now?
Leicestershire & Rutland CFA releases the below action plan for all grassroots football in Leicestershire & Rutland:
In view of The FA announcement yesterday (16/03/2020), here is the action plan for grassroots football in Leicestershire & Rutland which we will be implementing with immediate effect:
1 - All grassroots football including league fixtures, training and friendly matches to be postponed until further notice.
2 - All Leicestershire & Rutland CFA events (including cup finals), courses and meetings postponed until further notice (unless meetings can be held by Teams, Webex or other electronic means).
3 - Leicestershire & Rutland CFA Headquarters, Holmes Park is to be closed from mid-day on 17/03/2020 until further notice (any pitch hire fees and room bookings paid in advance by users will be held in credit for future bookings).
4 - All Leicestershire & Rutland CFA staff to work remotely initially from 17/03/2020 until further notice - all enquiries to Leicestershire & Rutland CFA are to be sent through email for the time being - info@leicestershirefa.com or to the specific member of staff
We will continue to update our stakeholders on a regular basis.
What is coronavirus?
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a type of coronavirus that can cause a range of symptoms but can also lead to severe chest infections/pneumonias. In older adults, those with weakened immune systems and those with cancer, diabetes and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) the risk of having severe symptoms is much higher.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The symptoms include cough, shortness of breath and a high temperature. Given these are common symptoms with other illnesses, this makes identifying coronavirus difficult.
How do we reduce the spread?
- To reduce spread, ensuring regular washing of hands with soap and water is key
- Hand sanitiser could be used if soap and water is not available.
- If coughing or sneezing, do this into a tissue and dispose of immediately following by re-washing hands.
- Do not get too close to people who appear unwell.
- Consider avoiding travelling to countries that are high risk due to high incidence of the infection.
More information on high risk countries can be found from the button below
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/current-risk-assessment-novel-coronavirus-situation
If an individual suspects coronavirus what should be done?
If an individual suspect that they may have coronavirus, they should avoid going to hospital or a clinic to avoid possible spread. They should self-isolate for 14 days. If you need to self-isolate then click the button below for further advice.
They should also contact 111 to discuss their concerns and to ensure that appropriate testing can be carried out if required.
https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/02/20/what-is-self-isolation-and-why-is-it-important/
What should you as a club/organisation do?
- We would advise you to pass this advice along with the resources to your members. If members of the club or visitors have been to a high-risk country then ensure they have self-isolated to prevent passing the possible virus to the remainder of the club.
- Try and ensure an appropriate number and location of hand sanitisers and hand washing options are available.
- Provide education to all members of the club to ensure good principles of hygiene and prevention are followed.
- Displaying posters such as this can support the messages shared: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e35b25740f0b609169cb52a/coronavirus-public-info-poster-2.pdf
For further information on coronavirus, please click the link below to access the NHS's dedicated website.