Paris Saint-Germain have taken preventive measures to convince the French government to not impose any restrictions amid the coronavirus outbreak, including disinfecting Parc des Princes, sources have told ESPN.
Facing the the risk of having their Champions League clash next week against Borussia Dortmund played behind closed doors, PSG's stadium has undergone a mass cleaning. The venue will be closed until Wednesday's scheduled match against the German side.
PSG lost the first leg 2-1 in Germany three weeks ago.
Cleaning company ISS, usually contracted to clean Parc des Princes after games, was brought in for the preventive cleaning, going through each floor, stair, ramp, escalator, and handle.
The cleaning was first reported in French outlet L'Equipe.
Another measure being considered is to deny entrance to the stadium of people from the Oise region, which the most affected and the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in France. Their tickets would be reimbursed.
As of Sunday afternoon, the club had not been told of any decision regarding playing the Champons League match behind closed doors. However, a meeting at the ministry of defence on Sunday night could change that.
PSG's Ligue 1 match on at Strasbourg on Saturday was postponed after the spread of the virus in the lower Rhine region.
Coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, is a new strain of virus that has surged around the globe in recent months. The coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory diseases. Flu is caused by a different virus. There is no vaccine for coronavirus, though researchers are working on one and hope to begin testing soon.
Older people, especially those with chronic illnesses such as heart or lung disease, are most at risk. The coronavirus spreads mainly through coughs and sneezes, though it also can be transferred from surfaces.
The best way to prevent infection is by frequent hand-washing, cleaning surfaces with regular household sprays and wipes, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.