Premier League club, Newcastle United have introduced a training ground handshake ban due to the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus.
The club’s coach, Steve Bruce confirmed the ban at a press conference while speaking ahead of tomorrow’s home game against Burnley.
According to him, the club has put a stop to a morning ritual of players and staff shaking hands each morning as fears over the spread of the disease increase.
“There’s a ritual here that everybody shakes hands with everybody as soon as we see each other every morning – we’ve stopped that on the advice of the doctor.
“Were like everybody else. Thankfully, we’ve got a superb doctor here and he will keep us informed of what we have to do…We’re glued to the TV for where it’s going to go next and let’s hope it doesn’t get any worse in this country.”
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More than 80,000 people have been infected by the virus worldwide, resulting in nearly 2,800 deaths. Three more cases of the virus were confirmed in the UK on Friday, bringing the total number in the country to 19.
Major sporting events, including Six Nations rugby and the Chinese Grand Prix, have been postponed because of the virus, which originated in China but has since spread to more than 50 countries.
The Premier League says clubs are following the same NHS and government advice issued to all businesses and venues which are used by large numbers of people.
There is currently no suggestion or guidance to take any additional measures, though the body says clubs are free to do so where deemed necessary.
Arsenal have introduced extra checks for media attending Saturday’s news conference at the club’s training ground, while Everton have contacted all staff informing them of the latest government guidelines.
Spanish La Liga side Valencia have cancelled “all meetings or public gatherings in enclosed spaces that present risk to players, coaching staff and club staff” after the first confirmed cases of coronavirus in the city.
A number of football matches in Italy have already been postponed or ordered to be played behind closed doors following an outbreak of the virus in the north of the country.
Yetunde Adegoke
