Unless there is an 11^th hour instruction from the FA and/or the National League regarding the coronavirus issue, our home game against Farsley Celtic will take place as scheduled on Saturday afternoon at Blackwell Meadows, kick off 3pm.

As far as Darlington FC is concerned, it is business as normal, although we have been closely monitoring news on the virus all week, and making contingency plans if necessary. There has been plenty to consider, primarily the health of all the fans, players, match officials, club officials and volunteers who will be attending the game on Saturday.

We are sure you agree that if you are attending the game on Saturday, then the common sense thing to do is take precautions before setting off – ie wash your hands in hot water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure as well you have some tissues with you just in case – and if you use them, put them in the nearest bin.

If you feel you have the symptoms of coronavirus before you set off  – dry cough, fever – then self-confine yourself and dial 111 for further advice.

If you feel unwell when you get to the ground or during the match, alert one of our stewards. Watch out for your fellow fans too – we can help each other through this.

We have received the following advice from Laurence Jones, who is the FA’s National League game manager. This advice has been circulated around all clubs in the country and is reproduced here in full.

The latest advice from Government is that there is presently no rationale to close or cancel sporting events, but this may change as the situation evolves. There is a higher likelihood of severe illness the older you are (not an increased chance of contracting the virus), with those under 25 likely to be unaffected by the disease. However, there is no age-specific guidance at this moment in time. Sports are asked to keep up to date with and follow Government and Public Health England guidance.

The key issues for hosting a sports event are:

• PHE guidance should be read and followed
• For those travelling to sporting events overseas or returning from overseas to sports events, the Foreign Office’s travel advice should be read and followed
• Promote best practice for hygiene, ensuring cleaning is effective and soaps are provided (and sanitiser where possible)
• Anyone with flu symptoms should avoid the risk of spreading their infection, whatever that infection may be, by staying at home and recovering
• Clubs are advised that if any spectator presents to a club member of staff with possible flu-like symptoms they should be encouraged to leave, return home and call NHS 111 for further advice
• For those hosting sporting events, whatever their size, attendees and participants should stay up to date on the government’s latest advice on how to avoid catching or spreading the virus

Here’s is the government’s PHE advice, reproduced in full .