ECB confident coronavirus will not threaten England tour of Sri Lanka but "precautionary measures" will be taken

The four-match tour, which includes Tests in Galle and Colombo, are set to go ahead but players' and officials' will be offered advice

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England's upcoming tour of Sri Lanka is not at risk despite the growing threat of the coronavirus, which has hit multiple countries across the world.

More than 2,800 people have died and 82,000 cases of the disease have been reported globally according to the World Heath Organisation, who have declared a public health emergency.

But only one case has been identified in Sri Lanka, where Joe Root's team play two tour matches and a pair of Tests next month.

The England and Wales Cricket Board are continuing to monitor the situation but do not foresee the tour being affected, having spoken directly with the Foreign Office. West Indies are currently there on a white-ball tour, playing three one-day internationals and two T20Is.

"At this stage, following advice from our medical experts and the Foreign Office, there is no indication that the risk of coronavirus has increased for our tour of Sri Lanka, either now or in the near future," a statement read.

"To our knowledge, there is only one reported case of the virus in Sri Lanka, less than the UK, and it is not considered a high-risk country for further spread of the virus. 

"Nevertheless, this will be constantly monitored, and ECB will liaise with local health sources on an ongoing basis.

England in Sri Lanka 2020 tour fixtures: Full schedule

"A number of precautionary measures will be implemented for players’ and officials’ travelling to Sri Lanka to ensure immunity is at the best possible levels to avoid any illnesses."

England start the tour with two warm-up matches against an SLC Board President's XI in Katunayake and Colombo on March 7-9 and 12-15.

The first Test takes place at Galle on March 19-23 before the concluding match of in Colombo between March 27-31.

Sports events have largely been unaffected by the outbreak. The Formula One Chinese Grand Prix scheduled for April 19 has been postponed while the Six Nations rugby match between Ireland and Italy, where over 400 cases have been reported, which was due to take place in Dublin this weekend has also been called off.

Five Serie A football matches will this weekend be played behind closed doors as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, the Tokyo 2020 summer Olympics and Paralympics scheduled for July, August and September are still set to go ahead.

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