No cause for alarm over Covid-19 shutdown at Hastings United

The club have shut down their men’s first team, U23s and U18s operations to make sure there is no spread of the virus in the camp.

It comes as the town itself moves into Covid tier three because of rising numbers of cases.

But United say they are looking forward to everyone returning ‘healthy and fresh’ – and ready to resume their Isthmian south east promotion bid.

The Covid cases were revealed on Monday when the club said: “Following symptoms, some players of the men’s first team tested positive for Covid-19.

“As a football club, we take the safety of our staff, players and supporters seriously and our team will be mass testing.

“Whilst FA protocol states an isolated case means a football club can continue, without competitive football planned we are taking this moment to reset and will shut down men’s first team, U23 and U18 operations for ten days.

“We are taking this approach after notifying environmental health given the continued increase in cases across the local community.

“The club will continue to monitor the situation, follow all protocols and guidelines as we look to return back to training safely for the hopeful return of League football. We urge all to follow the government guidelines and keep safe.

“Anyone affected by this will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.”

United CEO Billy Wood told the Observer he wanted to reassure fans the shutdown was a precaution and no-one from the club was anything like seriously ill with Covid.

Wood said: “We wanted to act in the safest manner for our players, officials and fans.

“As a town Hastings’ Covid numbers are sky-rocketing and we will always keep the wider community in mind.

“With no competitive football planned, we have shut down so that everyone can have Christmas with their families and come back to Hastings United fresh and healthy and ready to win the league.”

Wood, who has taken a Covid test that came back negative, remains hopeful Isthmian League football can restart soon.