Confederation of African Football (CAF) has identified Nigeria as one of the countries where the widespread respiratory disease, coronavirus has been found on the continent, and called on all stakeholders in the round leather game to take preventive measures to avoid the ailment spreading at match venues.
Megasportsarena.com reports that, although the continental soccer governing body added that there is no cause for alarm or need for the football public to panic over the development, it stated in a message on its official website that there is need for caution, since eight countries have been cited with the disease.
While revealing its personal efforts to avoid the disease spreading through football events, CAF disclosed that they are already in touch with World Health Organisation (WHO) for expert advice on the matter, having also set up a special committee to that effect and reeled out preventive steps soccer lovers across the continent can adopt to stay safe.
The CAF statement read: “COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the latest discovery of the coronavirus. The new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
“CAF is following with great attention the evolution of the situation of this pandemic affecting our continent. Eight (8) major African football countries have reported cases to date: Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon and South Africa.
“CAF has mandated the Medical Committee to monitor the evolution of this disease and to set up measures to protect the health of players and all actors of the game.
“A team has been set up, under the authority of the CAF President, made up of experts from various fields, particularly medical, who are essentially responsible for the health of the players and the members of the African football family.
“We are not extremely worried but remain vigilant with regards to future matches and tournaments such as the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup and the final tournament of the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled to take place in Cameroon from 4-25 April 2020.
“The team is in touch with the countries organizing these matches and reports in due time on updates to the Executive Committee.
“If the situation requires and in agreement with the countries concerned, matches behind closed doors, postponements or even cancellations are envisaged. In the meantime, an advisory to the actors of the game is being promulgated in conformity with guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Also keep up to date with the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available from the WHO website and from national and local public health authorities. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with a hydro alcoholic solution or with soap and water.
“Make sure to follow the rules of respiratory hygiene and that people around you do the same. In case of coughing or sneezing, cover the mouth and nose with the crook of the elbow, or with a handkerchief and discard the handkerchief immediately afterwards.”
