11 March 2020 06:37 pm
England's men's cricket team will not stop for photographs with fans or sign autographs during their tour of Sri Lanka, in an effort to negate the spread of the coronavirus.
In a statement on Wednesday, a spokesperson said measures are being put in place to isolate the players and management from potential health risks.
"Following the world health agency’s advice, and in order to protect the players and, in turn, the integrity and continuation of the Sri Lanka Test tour, the team has put in place several precautions, leading to a number of normal activities being cancelled for the foreseeable future," the statement read.
"As a result, the touring party is now taking positive steps to reduce the risk of its health by limiting public engagements for its players and management team.
"England players and staff have been asked to avoid any unnecessary public engagements, and temporarily avoid casual supporter interaction such as selfies or autographs.
"Whilst we acknowledge that this will be disappointing for some supporters, we stress that this a measure to protect the ongoing wellbeing of the England Test squad and is a decision which has not been taken lightly."
England will also refrain from handshakes with each other or the opposition during their Sri Lanka, which features two Test matches in Galle and Colombo.
The team's spokesperson requested all supporters joining the tour "to maintain good levels of hygiene as advised by the World Health Organisation and the NHS", including regular washing of hands and avoiding those who are unwell. (thecricketer.com)