Coronavirus: Portsmouth players' Covid-19 test update and club's schedule for way forward

The Blues are now in possession of the required testing kits to accurately pinpoint if any of the players have contracted the Covid-19 virus.

Kenny Jackett’s men will await the results before the club roll out the next stage of their effort to surround the players in a ‘bubble’ environment, to limit the chances of the pandemic impacting the squad.

The hope is Pompey will be able to continue training and maintaining fitness levels from Monday after the suspension of their season.

A positive test among the first-team group would clearly mean a change to those plans, however.

The tests have been purchased at a cost of around £6,000 with initial difficulties in obtaining the kits felt across football.

The Blues have not trained since they were sent from the club’s Roko training base in Hilsea last Friday, after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive after his side’s visit to Fratton Park on March 2.

Pompey have already put in plans for the majority of their staff to work from home, with employees only at Fratton Park where essential.

English football has come to a standstill with the Football League suspended to April 3 at the earliest, and the Premier League stopped until at least April 4.

While Pompey hope to return to training on Monday, Premier League clubs have undertaking a number of different approaches to protecting their players

The likes of Burnley, Sheffield United and Spurs have continued to train while Aston Villa and Everton have shut their training grounds.

Most top-flight clubs have set dates over the next week to return to training, although Newcastle are not due to return until March 30.

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