Coronavirus: Hearts and St Mirren fans 'with cold and flu symptoms' told to avoid tonight's match

Paisley side has issued advice concerning the epidemic

A general view of St Mirren's Simple Digitaial Arena stadium

St Mirren have urged supporters feeling under the weather not to attend tonight’s crucial Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Hearts at the Simple Digital Arena.

With countries throughout Europe taking the decision to play games behind closed doors, the Buddies are following strict advice on dealing with the coronavirus epidemic.

Ahead of tonight’s clash in Paisley, fans have been issued guidelines by the club.

A statement read: “We would respectfully ask that anyone who has any cold or flu like symptoms does not attend the game this evening.

“While there is every likelihood that you will just have the cold or flu it is imperative that we protect the health and wellbeing of all these who attend the game and we cannot take any risks.

“Our stewards will be briefed accordingly and anyone with cold or flu like symptoms will not be admitted.

“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.”

The club has advised that anyone who becomes unwell at the game should contact the nearest steward who will isolate them from others.

Clubs respond

A number of Scottish clubs have taken measures to respond to the epidemic. Rangers have installed hand sanitiser dispensers at Ibrox ahead of their Europa League last-16 tie with Bayer Leverkusen and Sunday’s clash with Celtic while a joint SPFL / SFA response group has suspended pre-match handshakes in a bid to limit the spread of the virus.

Health advice

The incubation period of this particular strain of coronavirus, named COVID-19, is two to 14 days, meaning that if a person remains fit and healthy for up to two weeks after contact with someone who has tested positive, they have not been infected.

Among the symptoms are:

cough difficulty breathing / respiratory problems fever

The virus is most likely to spread when there is close contact – within two metres – with an infected person. The risk of infection is heightened the longer the close contact is.

“Respiratory secretions”, produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, are the most likely means of transmission.