Arsenal are reportedly in talks with north London hospitals over how the Emirates can be used as Premier League clubs open up their facilities to aid the fight against Covid-19 and emergency preparations for temporary morgues are discussed.

Fans make their way to the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on March 07, 2020 in London, United Kingdom.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: Fans make their way to the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on March 07, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images).

Tottenham’s new stadium is set to become a drive-thru test centre, nurses are currently taking courses at City’s stadium while United are in talks over how their stadium and facilities can be used.

Arsenal, as mentioned above, are in talks with north London hospitals, while they have also released a nine-point plan:

Giving Graphic

Using the Etihad as a field hospital has also been discussed while other grounds could be considered for use as temporary morgues. The Daily Mail’s report in their Friday edition says there is ‘confidence that such a scenario will not develop’ which is no doubt the government line from a party led by a man who just a few weeks ago was encouraging people to keep on shaking hands.

Chelsea have handed over their Millennium Hotel for the use of NHS nurses.

Earlier this week, London mayor, Sadiq Khan, contacted clubs asking for medical staff, equipment and accommodation. It was sent to Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Fulham, Charlton Athletic, QPR, Brentford and Millwall. Spurs had already begun to provide staff by the time the letter had gone out.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan attends on Day Four of the London 2019 World Para-swimming Allianz Championships at Aquatics Centre on September 12, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan attends on Day Four of the London 2019 World Para-swimming Allianz Championships at Aquatics Centre on September 12, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Khan wrote: “I do not take such requests lightly and I appreciate this is a big ask in what is a challenging and uncertain time for many of London’s football clubs. However, I am clear that we all need to unite and do what we can to support the NHS and protect the lives of Londoners.

“As we work together to tackle the threat of coronavirus, the community spirit of London’s football clubs has shone through. Many have already offered support and are assisting the response in their local communities. This week, I have written to the capital’s Premier League and Championship clubs outlining what they can do to help our fantastic NHS and I’m grateful for the hugely positive response we have received.”

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