Footy star Latrell Mitchell tells fans he won’t be giving them high fives after games due to the coronavirus outbreak – as he reminds people to wash their hands
- NRL star Latrell Mitchell has told fans he will no longer be high-fiving crowds
- He reminded fans to wash their hands amid the global coronavirus pandemic
- Future of the NRL season are in doubt following travel bans in Australia and NZ
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
NRL star Latrell Mitchell has told fans he will no longer be high-fiving them to avoid catching the killer coronavirus.
The 22-year-old shared a photo to Instagram on Monday to announce he would be changing his post-match tradition.
‘No more of this for a while,’ he captioned a picture of himself celebrating with fans during last season’s State of Origin series.
NRL star Latrell Mitchell (pictured with his girlfriend Brielle) has told fans he will no longer be high-fiving crowds amid the coronavirus outbreak
The 22-year-old took to Instagram on Monday to announce he would be changing his post-match tradition
‘No more of this for a while,’ he captioned a picture of himself wearing the Blues jersey at the State Of Origin
‘Remember to wash your hands, everyone, and look after your families. Especially your elders.’
The South Sydney Rabbitohs player’s comments have come after round one of the NRL competition – with the second series of games to be played in empty stadiums.
From round two, no fans will be allowed in watch matches due to a ban on mass gatherings.
However the future of the sport has been questioned as New Zealand and Australia enact a mandatory 14-day self-isolation to anyone returning from overseas.
This has forced the New Zealand Warriors to relocate to Kingscliff instead of returning home following Saturday’s match.
Australian Rugby League Commission boss Peter V’landys said all options remain on the table and while they want to continue the game they need to keep up with medical advice.
‘The decisions we make today may change tomorrow as the situation is fluid and changing by the hour. My commitment is we will continue to listen to expert advice, be agile, and be ready to move in any direction necessary,’ he said.
‘I can’t stress enough that our game has never faced such challenges. The longer it takes the more pressure on our financial viability. It will have catastrophic consequences to the finances of the game.
‘An Australia without rugby league is not Australia.’
The South Sydney Rabbitohs player’s comments come at the close of round one
At the beginning of round one the NRL released advice to fans and players to help minimise the risk of catching coronavirus.
Players are to keep minimal contact with the public – including at games – and avoid handshakes, selfies and autographs.
Clubs are also to restrict dressing room access, events and ensure player hygiene.
Australia currently has 350 cases of coronavirus, five of which have resulted in deaths.