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Walsall players and staff urged to 'avoid shaking hands' following Coronvirus outbreak

Walsall players and staff have been asked to 'avoid shaking hands' with supporters and visitors as the club takes measures after the Coronavirus outbreak.

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After the public risk was increased from low to moderate in the UK, Walsall have released a statement outlining their plans to minimise risk at the club.

Their guidance has outlined that players and staff avoid shaking hands, while hand sanitisers will be added to entrances at the Banks's Stadium and the Essington training ground.

Posters are also being put up, outlining steps for visitors to wash their hands, use hand sanitiser, cover their mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and avoiding contact with people that are unwell.

The club statement read: "We have also requested that players and staff avoid shaking hands where possible, replacing this welcoming gesture with a smile and acknowledgement.

"Supporters should be aware of this when attempting to interact with our players and staff.

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"Please understand that we are taking these measures, along with reducing the general interaction if deemed appropriate, for the foreseeable future.

"There is currently no affect to football fixtures or functions and the club will continue to take guidance from the EFL, Football Association, UK Government and World Health Organization.

"We will update supporters with any further developments."

The move follows a similar one made by Wolves earlier this week, who confirmed that players have been told to avoid posing for selfies with fans as well as signing autographs as fears grow over the outbreak.