Portsmouth shutdown being considered as coronavirus outbreak worsens

Kenny Jackett’s Blues squad haven’t trained since they were sent home from their Copnor Road base on Friday, March 13.

Subsequently, quartet James Bolton, Andy Cannon, Haji Mnoga and Sean Raggett have tested positive for Covid-19 and are now in self-isolation.

Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealing the outbreak across the country is accelerating, Catlin is mulling over introducing stricter measures to protect all of Pompey employees.

With the club’s Anson Road store closed from tomorrow, the chief executive is now wondering whether ‘essential meetings’ are required.

And to reduce risk of anyone else contracting the virus, Catlin’s weighing up asking non-playing staff to self-isolate and work from home if possible.

He told The News: ‘I will probably start cutting my contact down and will probably even go a stage further now where I can’t even see what essential meetings come above people’s health.

‘I am looking and thinking do we just completely shut it down now and everyone works from home, even if there are what is deemed essential meetings.

'In this time, what is essential?

‘I think the time has come for that now where we try to keep essential staff going and keep them in an isolated environment.

‘Invariably people do cross on stairs, it's just one of those things we have to lock it down even further.

‘The good thing is in this day and age with computers and telephones, it is very easy to keep in communication with people without actually needing to meet or be there with them.

‘I have a duty not just to the players but the staff as well.’

Catlin confirmed he’s been in touch with chairman Michael Eisner and director Andy Redman during the crisis.

Despite both being in America, they’re still offering full support if anything is needed.

‘Michael, Andy and the rest of the board have been in touch on a daily basis, have been very supportive,’ added Catlin.

‘Michael is based in California they are going through a very similar situation and they are there for us asking what we need and how they can help.

‘There is very little anyone can do at the moment other than follow the government guidelines and just batten down the hatches for a few weeks.’