A GROUP of Liverpool fans have been advised to self-isolate to stop the spread of coronavirus after travelling back from Spain via northern Italy.
A number of Reds supporters, who had gone to watch the 1-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, were understood to have flown to Manchester Airport via Milan Bergamo Airport.
Roberto Firmino battles for the ball with Sime Vrsaljko as Liverpool lose to Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
However, coronavirus cases in Italy have surged in just four days, with seven dead and 229 infected.
The Italian government has placed 12 towns in the north of the country into lockdown to prevent the spread, with Bergamo in one of the regions worst affected.
A 28-year-old fan told the Liverpool Echo: “I travelled home from Madrid to Milan Bergamo airport and when we got off the plane we were all tested for our fever and stuff which was the first sign that something was a bit weird.
“But because we had five hours until our next flight, we decided to go into the centre of Bergamo for something to eat and a few drinks.
“After we got checked into the airport we were told nothing and then a few days ago it started breaking on the news about the outbreak in northern Italy.
“Then today I was sent home. But I feel fine.
“I rang the NHS 111 number and they said to self isolate for a period of time and if you don’t have any symptoms that you will be fine to return to work.
“Personally, I feel fine like but I think it is the fear for other people I work with and though I didn’t want to go home it makes sense.
“We travelled through Bergamo on the 19th. The first date they have suggested for self isolation.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock today said if anyone has travelled to any quarantined area in Italy, they should self isolate no matter what.
He told BBC News: “Those have been to Northern Italy, anybody that has been to Italy north of Pisa should, if they have flu like symptoms, should self isolate – which means go home and try to stay out of contact with other people.
“If people have been to affected areas the Italian government have quarantined, then they should self isolate whether or not they have symptoms.”
SunSport previously reported how Serie A chiefs are prepared to play the title clash between Juventus and Inter Milan behind closed doors amid the country’s coronavirus outbreak.
Four top-flight matches were postponed last weekend as northern regions continued to be hit by the illness, seven people dying so far.
Meanwhile, England’s Six Nations match in Italy is under threat due to coronavirus, and the elsewhere, Japan’s J-League season had been postponed until mid-March.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock tells Brits if they’ve been to North Italy to self-isolate if they feel ill
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
