Hibs have today underlined the importance of following FACTS to keep coronavirus under control.
Melker Hallberg urged fans to continue to follow the vital steps, highlighting how compliance will help protect the progress that has been made as the country works towards a safe phased return to stadiums.
The FACTS acronym stands for:
· Face coverings
· Avoid crowded places
· Clean hands and surfaces regularly
· Two-metre physical distancing
· Self-isolate and book a test immediately if you have coronavirus symptoms
The recent rise in new COVID-19 cases in Scotland however has reinforced that the situation remains fragile, and people are being urged to stick with it, following the guidance at all times to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, and to help manage any spread of the virus.
Hibernian FC’s Chief Executive, Leeann Dempster said: “As a club we know our influence extends beyond the pitch, and everyone involved with Hibernian is in no doubt about the part we all have to play in following the guidelines to restrict any spread of the virus. Whether it’s ensuring our players and staff can go about their work in the safest possible environment or enabling Easter Road Stadium to welcome supporters back when the time is right, we have to look out for each other and protect our community by following FACTS. It’s a straightforward message that we are happy to endorse.”
Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe Fitzpatrick said: “We are all the first line of defence against this virus and I’m pleased we have this support from footballs clubs urging fans to keep to the guidance to avoid moving backwards or spreading the virus. Only working together and following the guidance together, will we succeed in controlling the spread.
“Each letter of FACTS represents one of the vital measures we all need to follow to keep ourselves and those we love safe.
“The recent reimposing of restrictions has served as a reminder that the virus hasn’t gone away and needs everyone to stick with it in order to keep it under control. We welcome this support at club level and would urge football fans to play their part in helping protect the progress that has been made, and ask that they to continue to following these vital steps to keep themselves and their families safe and work with us so that as we suppress the virus we can see the things that matter to us safely return.”
The Scottish football Joint Response Group recently agreed a wide range of measures with the Scottish Government to reinforce Scottish football’s commitment to public health, including the SPFL and Scottish FA promoting FACTS messaging on match days in stadia.
To find out more about FACTS and staying safe, visit mygov.scot/coronavirus
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
