Scotland v France: 'Don't come to Murrayfield if you think you have been exposed to Coronavirus'

Sunday's Six Nations match between Scotland and France is scheduled to go ahead, but with special health measures in place.

Rugby supporters have been warned to stay away from the Scotland v France clash at Murrayfield if they think they have been contracted the coronavirus or been exposed to it.

The Six Nations match remains scheduled to take place in Edinburgh on Sunday but a number of public health measures are to be put in place.

Medical staff will be at the ground to speak to fans who have concerns over their health, and hand sanitisers to be distributed throughout the stadium.

The match is a sell-out and over 67,000 spectators are expected to attend.

Medical experts say there is "no scientific reason for cancelling" the match. The match between Ireland and Italy is Dublin, scheduled for Saturday, was called off last week.

A primary care facility with first aid practitioners is to be established at Murrayfield should someone present themselves to staff with symptoms

Catherine Calderwood, Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, said: “Anyone who thinks they may have contracted the virus or been exposed to it should not attend the match and should follow the advice on NHS Inform.”

The same measures will be in place of the Scotland v France under-20 international in Galashiels on Friday evening and the Scotland v France Women's Six Nations match in Glasgow on Saturday night.

Calderwood added: “Our overriding consideration when making decisions on whether major sporting events and other public gatherings should go ahead is the health of the people in Scotland and those visiting from elsewhere.

“Our advice is based on the latest scientific understanding of coronavirus. Health Protection Scotland has looked at all the available evidence, including the situation in the UK and France, and has concluded that there is no scientific reason for cancelling Scotland’s Six Nations fixtures at the weekend.

“The Scottish Rugby team players and support staff have been working closely with us to ensure there is the strongest possible focus on protecting public health at the event and that key messages on how to prevent the spread of infection are widely promoted.

“We all have a key role to play in preventing the spread of infection by maintaining good hand hygiene, not touching your face, avoiding direct contact with people who have a cold or the flu as well as covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with tissues and disposing of them in the nearest bin after use. This will be promoted both in the stadium and on transport to and from the game.”

In addition "good hygiene information” will be distributed to all spectators, players, officials, staff, volunteers, agencies, contractors, media, sponsors and guests, in both English and French.

Dominic McKay, Scottish Rugby's Chief Operating Officer, said: “We have been working closely with the Scottish Government and can confirm that the Six Nations Scotland v France men’s, women’s and U20 matches remain scheduled to be played this weekend.

“Scottish Rugby continues to work extremely closely with the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland in monitoring the Coronavirus situation. We are also in regular and constant dialogue with the Six Nations and our fellow Unions.

“We have, and continue to, promote NHS Scotland hygiene advice and protocols with our staff, supporters and visitors to all rugby stadiums. We look forward to welcoming supporters to our events this weekend. Should matters and advice change we will provide a further update.”