Crystal Palace players instructed to spend a week away from training ground as chairman provides update on coronavirus measures

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has provided an update on the club’s measures to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The Premier League have suspended their matches until at least April 3, with the expectation that football will not even be played immediately after a three-week break.

Parish says that Roy Hodgson’s squad have been given a week away from their Copers Cope training ground and that many of the staff have been asked to work from home.

He told the club’s official website: “As a club, we have now asked all staff who are not related to essential maintenance and safety to work from home. Therefore, if you do need to contact the club please be patient with us while we make this change.

“We have closed our training ground as a precautionary measure for one week, with players being urged to stay at home and undertake personalised training plans.

“We have also taken the decision not to proceed with placing season tickets on sale for next season as planned, and will review once we have more clarity around the situation.

“Clearly our first concern is for all of you: supporters, staff and players, to make sure we do whatever we can to ensure you are as safe as possible.

“I am sure you will have already received information regarding the best steps you can take to protect yourself and others, and I urge everybody to follow these as best they can. It’s so important we all take proactive, preventative measures to mitigate the spread of this virus and the strain on the health service.”