Coronavirus: Portsmouth outline battle plan to tackle threat of Covid-19

And the Blues are determined to continue a ‘methodical’ battle plan which puts the safety of players and staff first in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pompey are waiting for results with a backlog building after players were given tests using a swab, with a view to returning to training next week if all went well.

Although there remains uncertainty in football over the way forward in an unprecedented scenario, head physio Bobby Bacic feels the club reacting swiftly to the challenge faced has left them in the best position possible.

Bacic said: ‘We did source the kits and the club were quick to act.

‘These things aren’t cheap either and the cost was quickly sanctioned.

‘As you could imagine, demand is pretty high for the kits at presents.

‘This is an unprecedented situation and they’ve been inundated, so we’re expecting it to be a couple of days before we hear back about the results.

‘The schedule we’re looking at is to return next week.

‘But everything is so fluid in this situation, not just day to day but hour to hour.

‘The tests are like a screen with the hope that everyone comes back clear.

‘If that’s the case then we have been responsible and it means we can then consider training.

‘We’re just trying to be responsible as possible with the hope everyone comes back with clear results.

‘So the plan is to come back next week, but that’s dependent on test results - and also the advice given.’

Bacic explained Pompey have consulted experts and are closely following government guidelines to decide their policy moving forward over minimising the impact of Covid-19 on the club.

He added: ‘It’s good to get an idea of what other clubs are doing, but there’s no real precedent set.

‘We’ve got to do what’s right for us and what we think is correct. It all comes back to the health of the players and safety of everyone involved.

‘It’s really important we follow the guidelines set out by the government as well.

‘It’s important we’re not seen to be gung-ho or reckless - we’re 100 per cent not that.

‘We have to be really methodical and make sure we’re up to date with the latest information.

‘We’ve got two excellent doctors who work for the club and are on the front line for the NHS.

‘They’re keeping us up to date with what we need to do and what we need to know.

‘It’s unprecedented but as a club we do things correctly here - and we want to make sure we do things properly.’

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS