Everton have confirmed its entire first-team squad and coaching staff are undertaking a period of self-isolation on medical advice, after one of their players reported symptoms consistent with coronavirus.
It puts their Premier League fixture against Liverpool on Monday night in doubt, with the Premier League set to talk to clubs this morning over whether this weekend's fixtures can go ahead.
Arsenal's clash with Brighton has already been postponed after their manager Mikel Arteta was confirmed to have tested positive for the coronavirus, while Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has also tested positive for COVID-19, with their squad also in self-isolation.
Everton, who sit twelfth in the table as things stand, announced their precautionary measure via a statement on the club's official website.
"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.
"Everton will continue to adhere to UK Government and Public Health guidelines with regards to the closure of its facilities and wellbeing of staff and will be discussing next steps with regards to upcoming fixtures with the Premier League on Friday morning.
"Further updates will be provided in due course, including guidance relating to forthcoming fixtures."
