The Premier Soccer League has ensured clubs that they are ‘giving careful attention’ to the Coronavirus outbreak, but that fixtures will be continuing as planned for now.
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Leagues all around the world have been postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 virus that is now widespread across the globe, however South Africa – at this point – has just 24 confirmed cases around the country.
Nedbank Cup action resumes tonight as Bidvest Wits take on Real Kings in KwaZulu-Natal, and the league say that member clubs will be informed of any changes or plans to suspend fixtures immediately.
The latest statement sent to clubs, which followed advice given last week, told them, “Please be assured that the League is giving careful attention to developments in this very worrying time… There has been no change to the League’s position and all matches and fixtures are continuing… If there is a change all Member Clubs will be informed immediately.”
The full previous statement read as follows:
As the League, it is pertinent that we advise our Clubs’ management, players, technical staff, match officials, match commissioners, sponsors, PSL staff and other stakeholders the importance of the recent COVID-19 outbreak. This advice is to be wary of controllable risks factors.
With several teams in the Premier Division and GladAfrica Championship, including playing within the continent, we feel it is necessary for us to caution as a League. As indicated by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Department of Health and the World Health Organisation, the virus is droplet spread - so it is spread via droplets when coughing.
Some precautionary measures include, but are not limited to:
1. Shaking of hands should be suspended to reduce spread risk.
2. When coughing, cough within the elbow or a tissue (dispose the tissue in the correct manner).
3. Wash hands frequently with soap and water or utilise waterless hand washes often especially after contact with individuals.
4. When handling public space materials (trolleys at airports and public spaces etc), it is advisable to, if possible, use disinfectant wipes on these items also to reduce risk.
5. Limit direct contact with individuals by handshaking, hugging as much as one can.
Should an individual have flu-like symptoms and has travelled to one of the countries with a present outbreak, you should consult with your healthcare practitioner, but it is advisable to contact the Corona Virus hotline number on 080029999 to speak to a dedicated practitioner to advise accordingly.
Again, as communicated by the NICD, there is no need to panic but the precautionary measures as indicated above, are advisable to avoid the spread of the virus.
