EFL reveals 'no decisions taken' yet on games after three-week suspension - includes Portsmouth v Salford in Leasing.com Trophy final

At present, no elite-level games will take place in England until April 4, at the earliest, because of coronavirus.

That includes Pompey matches in League One, with Saturday’s Fratton Park encounter against Accrington the first of four scheduled fixtures to be impacted.

The Blues released a statement this morning which revealed they are still waiting the delivery of testing kits to ascertain whether players and staff have been infected by Covid-19.

It also revealed that the players will not return to action until they have been fully tested and the results made known.

In addition, Pompey stressed the Leasing.com Trophy final, scheduled for April 5, had not yet been suspended and that fans will be updated on any change.

That particular matter follows the EFL’s narrative that no decisions have been made regarding football after the lift of it’s current suspension.

However, the EFL said its board were due to meet again this week and it would continue with its ‘contingency planning’.

The league statement said: ‘The health and well-being of EFL staff, players, Club employees and supporters is of paramount importance and will be key to the decisions made by football during what is clearly an unprecedented situation facing our game.

‘It is with that in the forefront of the League’s mind that it notes the intense speculation that has appeared across the local, national and international media over the weekend.

‘Whilst the League and its Board understand there is a strong desire from both the media and general public to understand what may happen next, there have, at this current time, been no decisions taken.

The League also feels it inappropriate to respond to the many hypothetical solutions being suggested whilst the many unknowns remain.

‘Given the fast paced environment and parameters we are currently working within, it is simply not practical to give a running commentary on what may happen.

‘In the immediate short term we will continue with our contingency planning to deal with the implications the outbreak of Covid-19 has presented the EFL and its Clubs, in addition to liaising with the Government, health authorities and football partners.

‘A further update will be given once the EFL Board has met this week.

‘In the meantime, we wish the football and wider community well and urge all to follow the guidance from the Government provided by Public Health England if presented with any symptoms - www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

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