Nigerian international Alex Iwobi and his Everton teammates have gone into medical isolation after an undisclosed Toffees star showed symptoms of the wide-spreading infection.
Premier League side Everton Football Club have announced that the first-team squad have been placed in self-isolation after players displayed coronavirus symptoms.
The Club, who have in their fold Super Eagles midfielder Iwobi, did not provide the name of the infected player.
Iwobi moved to Goodison Park from Arsenal in the summer of 2019, and the 23-year-old has registered one goal in 18 league appearances for the Liverpool-based club.
Iwobi’s former team, Arsenal, Wilfred Ndidi’s Leicester City, and Chelsea, have all taken precautionary measures against coronavirus after the clubs confirmed cases of the dreaded virus attack.
Chelsea youngster Hudson-Odo is the first Premier League player to contract the coronavirus, while Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta also tested positive to the virus.
And Everton have now confirmed they have taken steps to halt the spread of the infection, with their players in self-isolation.
Their statement on the club’s official website read in part: “Everton Football Club can confirm that, as a precautionary measure, its entire first-team squad and coaching staff are undertaking a period of self-isolation following medical advice.
“The step has been taken after a first-team player reported symptoms consistent with coronavirus. The Club is in regular contact with the player in question and is monitoring the wellbeing of all players and staff.
“The health, welfare, and safety of all Everton players, staff, and stakeholders is the Club’s absolute priority.
Therefore, the Club has taken the decision to close down all Everton workplaces, including USM Finch Farm, Goodison Park, and its headquarters at the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool City Centre.
The Club’s retail store at Goodison Park will also close, but its Liverpool ONE store is unaffected and will remain open.”
Premier League games have been postponed till April 3, according to a statement released by the league management body.
The Spanish La Liga, French Ligue 1, and the Italian Serie A have also suspended their leagues as a result of the virus.