Coronavirus: Iwobi, EPL Clubmates Quarantined After First-Team Player Reports Symptoms

 

English Premier League (EPL) club, Everton have announced that their entire first-team squad are in self-isolation or quarantine after a player reported to the club that he had coronavirus-related symptoms.

Allnews reports that additionally, the Toffees have closed Goodison Park, the team's headquarters in Liverpool city centre and their training centre, Finch Farm.

The club is keeping close tabs on the player (unnamed), as well as the rest of those who may have had contact with him.

A statement released on Friday morning reads: "Everton Football Club can confirm that, as a precautionary measure, its entire first-team squad and coaching staff are undertaking a period of self-isolation following medical advice.

"The step has been taken after a first-team player reported symptoms consistent with coronavirus. The Club is in regular contact with the player in question and is monitoring the wellbeing of all players and staff.

"The health, welfare and safety of all Everton players, staff and stakeholders is the Club’s absolute priority. 

"Therefore, the Club has taken the decision to close down all Everton workplaces including USM Finch Farm, Goodison Park and its headquarters at the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool City Centre. The Club’s retail store at Goodison Park will also close but its Liverpool ONE store is unaffected and will remain open.

"Everton will continue to adhere to UK Government and Public Health guidelines with regards to the closure of its facilities and wellbeing of staff and will be discussing next steps with regards to upcoming fixtures with the Premier League on Friday morning.

"Further updates will be provided in due course, including guidance relating to forthcoming fixtures."

With this development, the chances of the Merseyside derby going ahead on Monday now looks slim due to the closure of Goodison Park.

It would be recalled that Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi has been affected by the coronavirus. He is the first confirmed Premier League player to have tested positive to the worrying disease.

Over 128,000 have been infected globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). About 68,000 victims have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus.