Hibs statement on measures to minimise the spread of coronavirus

Hibernian Football Club would like to advise supporters about important measures that are being put in place to support everyone’s efforts to minimise the spread of coronavirus.

We recognise our role in this effort – as a business and a
club at the centre of our community – and our priority is the health and safety
of everyone.

We are in regular discussion with both the SPFL and Scottish
FA who are, in turn, liaising closely with the Scottish Government.

We are taking advice from them, as well as following
guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation and NHS.

The First Minister’s update from today advised that all
gatherings of more than 500 should be cancelled from Monday of next week.

This escalation is not unexpected given the evolving
situation worldwide.

The advice has been to do all that we can to ensure the
health and wellbeing of our first-team squad in order to fulfil our fixtures.

We are preparing for our home game against St Johnstone on
Saturday 14 March to go ahead as planned.

The Ticket Centre and Clubstore remain open for business
during the usual hours.

However, we will monitor developments and communicate any
changes via the club website and on our social media channels, should they be
necessary.

You will be aware that some measures are already in place,
for example, around cancelling the traditional pre and post-match handshakes
between players.

With regret, we also feel it necessary at this stage to
withdraw our players from public appearances and, where possible, restrict
their contact with supporters and the general public.

To help the club protect its players and staff, we ask that
you do not approach the players for autographs, handshakes, selfies or anything
similar during this time.

We understand that our club plays an important role in our
community, but feel these measures are necessary and thank you for your
understanding.

Access to players’ areas during matchdays at Easter Road
will also be closely controlled, with only essential staff being permitted into
the tunnel, manager’s office, changing rooms, medical areas and visiting team
rooms.

We will work with our colleagues in the media to try and
facilitate as much access as is practical during these restrictions and thank
them for their understanding and cooperation.

We have undergone a programme of enhanced deep cleaning at
the Hibernian Training Centre in East Lothian, as the club seeks to mitigate
any risk of the virus affecting players and staff and spreading locally.

Access to HTC is already restricted to essential personnel
and visitors by appointment.

At this time, we will monitor the situation locally and
adapt our access controls as necessary.

We understand that this may have an impact on our Hibernian
Community Foundation, members of the media and other partners and thank
everyone for their cooperation.

While Easter Road remains open as usual, some non-essential
events have been cancelled or postponed, particularly those that involve
vulnerable or at-risk groups.

We look forward to welcoming them back to Easter Road as
soon as possible, and when it is sensible to do so.

Finally, we would ask all supporters coming to the match on
Saturday to attend only if they feel in good health.  Please practice good hygiene, including
hand-washing, and be considerate of the supporters around you.

Soap, hand gel and toilet tissue are supplied for the
benefit of everyone. Any supporters found to be removing these products from
the toilet areas will be asked to leave the stadium.

If you are experiencing symptoms (which include a cough, a
high temperature or shortness of breath) or have been to any high-risk areas,
please follow up-to-date advice from the NHS, or use this interactive tool.

Anyone with flu-like symptoms should avoid the risk of
spreading their infection by staying at home and recovering.

Hibernian would also like to share the following advice to
help limit the spread of coronavirus:

– Wash your hands with soap and water often – and ideally on
arrival into Easter Road.

– Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not
available.

– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (or even your
sleeve!) if you cough or sneeze – but do not use your hands to cover your nose
or mouth.

– Put any tissue used straight into a bin and wash your
hands immediately.

– Try to avoid contact with people who are unwell.

– Do not touch your face, particularly your mouth, eyes or
nose, if your hands have not been washed.

Hibernian Football Club would like to thank everyone for
working with the club and contributing to the effort to contain the spread of
coronavirus.  We will continue to update
supporters with further advice as and when it becomes available.