Match Day operations update – Covid-19

Based on advice from health officials and the RFL regarding Covid-19, Widnes Vikings can inform supporters of changes to match day protocols until further notice.

In order to protect the health and safety of players and fans there will be limited interactions in the lead up to, and on the day of, Vikings fixtures.

All fixtures are set to go ahead following government advice, however in the event of any changes supporters will be informed via our website and social media channels.

For Sunday’s fixture with Swinton Lions, the following restrictions will be in place:

  • Players will not hold hands with any mascots
  • Players should limit any physical contact with supporters at venues
  • Players are advised to avoid handshakes, hugs, high fives
  • Players are advised not to take items from supporters for signing
  • All players, officials and supporters are asked to follow the government advice on hand hygiene and protect themselves and others from spreading the infection

Any further information which is communicated to the club from the government and/or RFL will be passed on to supporters.

Public Health England guidance on infection control and the advice regarding what everyone can do to reduce the risk of catching Coronavirus, states you should:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Catch it, Bin it, Kill it.
  • Put used tissues in the bin straight away.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
  • Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

In the event of confirmed cases and in line with the current advice from the Government’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser this requires those people in close contact with confirmed cases to self-isolate.  

A link to the most up to date Government guidance is included below and contains advice on what to do if a member of the public becomes unwell and believe they have been exposed to COVID-19.

That advice remains that If the person has not been to specified areas (via overseas travel) in the last 14 days, then normal practice should continue in that organisation. For contacts of a suspected case, no restrictions or special control measures are required while laboratory test results for COVID19 are awaited.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-covid-19

Further guidance is included below if you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, the advice is to stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from when your symptoms started. This action will help protect others in your community whilst you are infectious.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection