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.
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:
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.
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.”
This is what I'm hoping they all do. Don't give up your wages (unless your club can't afford to pay them), just donate more of them to charity.
That way the government picks up taxes on the wages as usual and then gets the extra bonus of charity donations. https://t.co/auDO9NZSez
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) April 3, 2020
Jordan Henderson is organising a Premier League coronavirus crisis fund for the NHS that will run into millions of pounds. The Liverpool captain has spent the last few days contacting the captains of other Premier League clubs to pitch the idea.https://t.co/qR0H8e1c5B
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) April 3, 2020
Stay. Inside.