CORONAVIRUS: NI YMCA shuts for deep clean

A YMCA Club is to close for a deep clean after it revealed close links to a NI football club whose player tested positive for the deadly Coronavirus.
By Carmel Robinson
Published 9th Mar 2020, 16:28 BST
An Emergency Department Nurse during a demonstration of the Coronavirus pod and COVID-19 virus testing procedures set-up beside the Emergency Department of Antrim Area Hospital, Co Antrim in Northern IrelandAn Emergency Department Nurse during a demonstration of the Coronavirus pod and COVID-19 virus testing procedures set-up beside the Emergency Department of Antrim Area Hospital, Co Antrim in Northern Ireland
An Emergency Department Nurse during a demonstration of the Coronavirus pod and COVID-19 virus testing procedures set-up beside the Emergency Department of Antrim Area Hospital, Co Antrim in Northern Ireland

The YMCA in Portadown issued the statement today following news that a senior player with Hanover FC tested positive for the virus.

The online statement said: “YMCA Portadown is aware of the COVID -19 case relating to a Hanover FC player. Firstly we wish the player well and hope they make a speedy recovery and secondly, we welcome the swift actions taken by the club to mitigate against the spread of the virus.

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“We have close links with this football club and as a result, we have taken the decision to close the YMCA to enable us to have the building deep cleaned. This is only a precautionary measure and we will resume all programmes on Thursday this week.”

At the weekend Hanover FC revealed one of its players had taken part in a game against Coagh United despite having been tested for the Coronavirus. The club and several other Mid Ulster clubs have subsequently suspended training and fixtures for two weeks.

Also Hanover FC Youth Academy said it would be suspending training and matches in light of the news.

Related topics:CoronavirusPortadownYMCA

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