West Bromwich Albion have today invoked a series of measures in response to the growing concern about the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Acting on medical advice, the Club is reluctantly taking steps to restrict interaction between players and supporters while shutting down daily access to its training ground facilities to all but essential staff.

“The coronavirus is obviously a developing situation which is causing growing concern not just in football but throughout society,” said Albion’s Sporting and Technical Director Luke Dowling.

“The last thing we want to do is spoil the natural engagement between the players and fans but we feel it forms part of our responsibility to try to help protect the well-being of the players, staff and our supporters.”

Albion are asking fans to co-operate in resisting the demand for autographs and selfies pre-and-post match at The Hawthorns and in other social settings.

The Club have also had to cancel all planned community and commercial appearances by the players while we regret we will have to temporarily limit our regular matchday tours for sponsors to areas beyond the first-team tunnel, dressing rooms and dug-outs.

Unfortunately, mascot access to the first team on match days, beginning with Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship match against Birmingham City, will also be restricted. The Club will be contacting those who have booked this package to discuss their options.

At the training ground, parents and relatives of our Academy players will be asked to observe restricted access to the building and its facilities.

At the main Academy on Halfords Lane, there will also be limited access to the building.

The Club stresses that these measures are being introduced on a temporary basis only and we thank our supporters, sponsors and guests for their co-operation in advance.

Advice about combating the spread of the virus is subject to change and we will keep our supporters up to date here at wba.co.uk.

In the meantime, all the latest health advice recommended by the NHS is available by clicking here