As you may have seen in the news the coronavirus is now a global pandemic that will disrupt normal day-to-day life for the foreseeable future. It is a virus that can prove life-threatening or even fatal.
Future Global Sports would therefore like to release the following statement offering guidance to our clients and colleagues with the aim of keeping you informed and knowing what to do.
What is coronavirus?
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.
How does coronavirus spread?
Because it's a new illness, it is not yet known exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person. Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
It is unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.
How can I avoid catching or spreading coronavirus?
You can minimise the risk to both yourself and the people around you by doing the following. This is the official government advice provided by the NHS.
Do
wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
always wash your hands when you get home or into work. Before and after training, etc.
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don't
do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
How do I know if I have coronavirus?
The main symptoms that indicate you may have coronavirus are:
* a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
* a new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly
What do I do if I think I have coronavirus?
It is extremely important that you stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms. You could feel well in yourself, but could be putting those around you including loved ones at serious risk.
If you have any of the above symptoms you MUST stay at home for 7 days. Do not attend training or games - call your manager or captain and explain the situation.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.
Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home.
The risks
The elderly (over 60) and people with underlying health conditions are most vulnerable in this situation. In Italy, hundreds of people have died because the symptoms were overlooked and spread rapidly, overwhelming the country’s health system. Though you may feel well in yourself, you could end up infecting others around you creating a chain reaction.
Do NOT take risks under any circumstances. Self-isolate and distance yourself from social situations for 7 days.
At the moment all professional football is suspended until April 3rd pending further announcements. In semi-professional / non-league football the games are planned to go ahead this weekend pending further announcements.
The best way to manage this situation is to not put yourself or others at risk.
-No handshakes - fist-bumps will do
-Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds with soap
-Self-isolate for 7 days. Do not go out into social situations and do not play football if you have symptoms.
For further information visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/. If you are interested to learn more about the background and risks associated with coronavirus - and why you need to take it seriously - read this: https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-die-f4d3d9cd99ca
If you are an FGS-signed client and require further advice or guidance contact a member of the team in the usual way.
This is a major immediate threat to human safety and should be taken seriously, but together, taking the right steps, we can overcome it.