Scottish Rugby confirms major public health push at Six Nations matches

4 Mar 2020

With the Scotland v France Men’s, Women's and U20 matches scheduled to be played this weekend, Scottish Rugby is working with the Scottish Government on a major public health initiative.

A wide range of measures to protect public health being implemented at BT Murrayfield, Scotstoun and Netherdale stadiums respectively by Scottish Rugby include:

• Circulating good hygiene information and NHS Scotland guidance to all spectators, players, officials, staff, volunteers, agencies, contractors, media, sponsors and guests. All information to be translated into French.

• Medical staff on hand within the stadium grounds to speak to any spectators who have concerns over their health.

• Hand sanitisers to be distributed throughout BT Murrayfield, Scotstoun and Netherdale.

• A primary care facility to be established at all stadiums with First Aid practitioners should someone present to staff with symptoms.

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”

Catherine Calderwood, Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, said:

“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.

“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.”