Scotland fans to party on despite game frustration
SWATHES of Scottish rugby fans have expressed their anger after the game against Wales was called off at the last minute owing to fears over the coronavirus.
It was decided on Thursday that the Wales-Scotland game would indeed go ahead following advice the WRU had received from Health Minister Vaughan Gething.
However, the WRU subsequently made a dramatic U-turn yesterday afternoon, announcing the decision to postpone the fixture after the number of coronavirus cases in Wales rose to 38.
It means there will now be thousands of Scotland supporters stranded in Cardiff owing to the lateness of the union’s call.
One Scottish fan, in an interview with WalesOnline, estimated that around 20,000 Scots were planning to descend on the Welsh capital for the rugby showcase, with a large number of them having already travelled.
“I think the decision to cancel the game at this late stage is ridiculous,” said Edinburgh native Mike Trotter, who made the eight-hour journey on Thursday.
“You’ll find there will be almost 20,000 Scots fans that are going to arrive in town regardless of whether this game goes ahead or not.
“We are all mingling already, so the late call-off is not going to stop this virus.
“We are disappointed, this is something we look forward to. We are just going to stay in the pubs with the Welsh people now and have a good weekend here.
“We are actually going to organise a game outside the Principality Stadium tomorrow at 2.15pm. We are going to buy a ball and challenge the Welsh out there in the street!”
While most fans understand the rationale behind the decision to call off the match, it’s the timing which appears to have irked them.
Given the certain influx of Scottish people – estimates appear to fluctuate from 5,000 to 20,000 – the Welsh capital will see this weekend, some believe the mixing of people in Cardiff pubs will be just as, if not more, dangerous in terms of spreading the virus.
“I think it’s a joke,” Steven McFadyean, of Gretna Green, in Dumfries, said.
“We are all mixing in the pubs, so why are you cancelling the game?
“They should have cancelled it on Wednesday, not last minute. It took me eight hours to travel here this morning.
“It’s a decision based on football because they are all cancelling the games, they shouldn’t be cancelling the rugby.”
And it’s not just Cardiff which will be affected by this late decision, either.
Fans from north of Hadrian’s Wall have travelled to other parts of Wales for accommodation and now face a decision on what they will now do with their weekend.
“We came down on Thursday,” said Scott Johnson, from Glasgow, in Swansea’s Wind Street.
“We got an email saying the game is on at 10am and then an email saying the game is off at 3pm.
“We’re now stuck in Swansea so it’s a case of enjoy the sights and enjoy the pubs and have a chilledout weekend.
“I think it’s a last-minute decision and if they were going to call it they could have called it yesterday or this morning. Don’t come out at 10am and say the game is on and then two or three hours later say the game is off.
“Since we’re all down here we’ve spent a lot of money to get here so we’re out of pocket a bit but we just need to make the most of it.”
Andrew Hamilton, also a Glasgow resident, said: “We are feeling a bit deflated in so far as we’re not going to watch a game but Swansea has been good to us and we’ll have a good time none the less.
“We’re not shortening our trip, we’re just enjoying ourselves.
“I think the medical people make the decisions and if they say it’s too risky to have it, then who am I to go against that decision?”
While fans are understandably frustrated as their weekend plans have gone up in smoke, the WRU maintains it has made the correct decision, albeit at a late stage, having tried all avenues for as long as possible to keep the game on.
A WRU statement read: “The Welsh Rugby Union has maintained an open dialogue with, and continued to seek advice and direction from, the Welsh Government and other stakeholders, including the Six Nations, on this fast-moving issue.
“Whilst medical advice remains consistent, we have decided that it is in the best interests of supporters, players and staff to fall in line with recent measures taken across the UK and global sports industries.
“The WRU would like to thank all parties for their counsel on the subject and will make further announcements with respect to rescheduling the fixture in the coming days.
“Every effort has been made to stage this game and we appreciate that individuals will have been inconvenienced. Given the fluid and unprecedented nature of this issue a postponement became the only viable option.”
A Scottish Rugby spokesman said: “All the Scotland players and management team would like to pass on their thanks to the Scotland fans who were aiming to attend the match and share their disappointment this game now will not be played.”
CORONAVIRUS cases have continued to rise in the UK and with so much information out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
The outbreak has dominated global headlines and television screens leaving many worried about what practical steps to take to keep themselves and family members safe.
So how do you best protect yourself and what about those who have asthma or are worried about elderly family members?
We’ve compiled advice from the experts to help you feel well informed.
■ Wash your hands
You may have heard this piece of advice hundreds of times before but it’s vitally important and keeps being repeated.
The NHS advises everyone washes their hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds.
Wash your hands when you get home or get into work and use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
They have also shared guidance on a good hand-washing technique.
The NHS also stresses: cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
■ If you have symptoms, stay at home.
Boris Johnson said on Thursday that anyone with coronavirus symptoms, however mild, such as a continuous cough or high temperature, must now stay at home for seven days.
Dr Frank Atherton, the chief medical officer for Wales, said anyone with identified coronavirus symptoms should “work on the assumption” they will have Covid-19.
He said: “It will involve personal sacrifice such as not going to work or school, but that will be the advice.”
■ Don’t call 111 if your symptoms are minor but do if they get worse.
People with minor symptoms are now being asked not to call 111, but if they deteriorate, they should then call.
Boris Johnson urged people to use the 111 service online rather than call the helpline.
■ School trips abroad should be stopped
The Prime Minister said there was no need to close schools now as the scientific advice “is that this could do more harm than good”. He said this tactic may change at some point. But he did say they should not go on trips abroad.
■ People over 70 with serious medical conditions should not go on cruises
“We advise all those over 70 with serious medical conditions against going on cruises and we advise against international school trips,” said Mr Johnson.
■ What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms may appear between two and 14 days after exposure and include: fever or high temperature; cough; shortness of breath.
Public Health England (PHE) describes the symptoms of Covid-19 as being “flu-like”.
NHS Direct Wales has launched a
coronavirus symptom checker which asks you questions to determine if you need to take further action or self-isolate.
■ What about people who have asthma?
Covid-19 is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways.
For those concerned, Asthma UK has updated their coronavirus advice and outlined steps people can take to manage their asthma.
These include taking your preventer inhaler daily to help cut your risk of an asthma attack being triggered by any respiratory virus, as well as downloading and using an asthma action plan which you can find on their website.
For more information head to Asthma UK and make sure you keep up to date with any new information provided.
■ Are the elderly more at risk?
People of all ages can get coronavirus but older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions are more likely to become severely ill with the virus.
No matter your age everyone should be following the simple measures and advice to stop the virus spreading, mainly washing hands with soap and water.
However, if you are worried about your elderly loved ones there are things you can do.
These include encouraging them to wash their hands regularly and making sure they’ve got the essentials they need at home should they have to self-isolate.
Dr Rachel Clarke recently went viral on Twitter with a short thread on how to protect elders, including the importance of persuading them why hand hygiene is “utterly vital.”
It also goes without saying that you shouldn’t visit any elderly family members if you don’t feel well, instead make a phone call.
This was echoed by the chairman of Care Forum Wales who has said visits to Wales’ care homes should not be made unless they are “absolutely essential”.
Mario Kreft described care homes as “safe havens” for elderly and vulnerable people which means it is vital to ensure the highest possible standards of infection control.
■ How do I protect myself on public transport?
Many companies are supporting the “catching it, bin it, kill it” campaign but the advice remains the same.
Make sure you’re practising good hygiene and wash your hands before getting on transport and after you’ve travelled.