BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Football Association of Malawi (FAM) on Friday, March 20, 2020 announced suspension of all football matches due to Coronavirus.
The suspension follows President Peter Mutharika’s declaration of State of disasters to control spread of the virus.
In press statement signed by FAM Secretary General Gift Gunda says the association will continue to monitor and constantly assess the situation, get advice and guidance from government and health officials and put contingency plans in place to respond to any emerging trends to Covid-19.
Below is FAM’s full statement:
The Football Association of Malawi wishes to inform its stakeholders that it has with immediate effect suspended all Association Football matches in Malawi as a pre-cautionary measure against the COVID-19 outbreak.
This follows His Excellency Proffesor Arthur Peter wa Mutharika’s address on Friday evening as he declared Malawi a State of Disaster due to the threat of the Coronavirus.
The State President has since directed the restriction of public gatherings, which includes football matches, to less than 100 people. Considering that on average, the crowds that patronise an Association Football match are over 100 people, FAM hereby suspends all matches until further notice.
FAM will continue to monitor and constantly assess the situation, get advice and guidance from government and health officials and put contingency plans in place to respond to any emerging trends to Covid-19.
Meanwhile we urge our stakeholders to join the fight against this pandemic by observing the recommendations and general precautions against the pandemic as follows:
- Wash and/or sanitise your hands frequently, especially before eating and after contact with people.
- Avoid touching your face, in particular eyes, nose and mouth. This can prevent the virus from entering your body.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing and use tissue or clean handkerchief and dispose it safely.
- Avoid close contact (Within 1 metre/3 feet), especially with people who display symptoms of the virus, such as cough or fever.
- Stay at home if you feel unwell, develop fever or other respiratory symptoms.
- Avoid handshakes and hugging.
- When sick with fever, cough or difficulty in breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
Keeps Safe and observe basic hygiene practices.