Valencia's tribute to David Villa suspended because of Coronavirus outbreak

Valencia CF have just announced that the tribute to David Villa, expected to take place at Mestalla on Saturday, has been postponed.

Here is the official statement released by the club:

"After the Valencian government confirmed the first cases of infection with coronavirus COVID-19 in Valencia, and taking into consideration that one of them was amongst the media that usually cover the club's first team, Valencia CF have decided to follow the recommendations set by the regional and national health authorities to increase preventive measures for contagion. This involves the cancellation of all acts, meetings or public gatherings in enclosed spaces that present a risk to players, coaching staff and club staff.

As such, any non-sporting public activity with members of the first team will be cancelled until further notice, including the coach’s press conference for the LaLiga match against Real Betis, as well as all the pre and post-match appearances scheduled for Saturday's game at Mestalla.

Likewise, Valencia CF insist, especially for fans and employees who travelled to northern Italy, that supporters follow the guidelines and sanitary recommendations indicated by the ‘Control and Epidemiological Surveillance of Public Health’ authority of the Generalitat Valenciana: These include taking basic hygiene measures, such as covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using tissues and frequently washing hands. If you develop respiratory symptoms such as a cough, fever or shortness of breath, stay at home and avoid close contact with other people, maintaining a distance greater than 1 metre, and contact local medical services via telephone (112), reporting symptoms and background information.