Portsmouth set to be given Wembley day out in rescheduled Leasing.com Trophy final

Pompey are still set to be given their Wembley day out in the Leasing.com Trophy final.
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But the Blues will have to wait for their encounter with League Two Salford City, with a postponement from the original date on April 5 expected to be announced.

That inevitable consequence is ready to follow new government measures put in place regarding mass gatherings to combat the threat of the coronavirus outbreak.

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Pompey had sold in excess of 50,000 tickets for the final before Covid-19 began impacting upon footballing fixtures in England.

The News understands the Football League’s preference and expectation is for a rescheduled final to be played when games eventually resume, in line with the overwhelming consensus the season must be seen to a conclusion among the football family.

The EFL board are set to meet again this week to address the way forward, with their Premier League counterparts doing likewise on Thursday.

Uefa met today with key football stakeholders via a video conference and decided that this year’s European Championships would be delayed for 12 months and played between June 11 to July 11, 2021.

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The postponement offers a chance for European leagues that have been suspended, including the EFL and the Premier League, to now be completed.

Pompey fans at Wembley last yearPompey fans at Wembley last year
Pompey fans at Wembley last year

Football League games are currently suspended until April 3 at the earliest, with the current Premier League suspension until April 4.

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?

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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.

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