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Arsenal take coronavirus precaution and threaten to ban media who show symptoms

Posted on 02/28/2020

Journalists have been warned they will be banned at Arsenal if they show symptoms of the coronavirus.

On Saturday, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta will have his pre-match press conference for Monday’s FA Cup tie at Portsmouth.

And the club are taking every precaution to ensure the virus does not spread to the Emirates Stadium.

According to The Sun , reporters hoping to attend tomorrow’s media briefing with Arteta are being told to fill out a medical form in advance.

Arsenal are said to be asking journalists whether they have recently travelled to any affected areas or had any close contact with a confirmed case.

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The club are also issuing a checklist of warning signs such as a cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, temperature or other flu-like symptoms.

Any reporters who show any of those symptoms will be refused entry to the press conference.

Arsenal’s form to journalists reads: "If you have answered yes to any of the questions above you will not be permitted entry to Arsenal Football Club.

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"If an Arsenal FC staff member has reason to be concerned about any of the above then you may be asked to leave the premises immediately."

The press conference is scheduled to take place around 1.30pm tomorrow, midway through Brighton’s game at home to rivals Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Arteta and Arsenal had little choice but to schedule it for over the weekend due to their game with Portsmouth in the FA Cup fifth round being on Monday night at Fratton Park.