‘Day-by-day’ approach for Larne as clubs adapt to Irish FA suspension over Coronavirus

The game’s officials have introduced a ban on the current campaign across “domestic and grassroots level” with a provisional return date of Saturday, April 4 but the situation is described in a statement as “under constant review”.

Northern Ireland has followed the actions of authorities across England, Scotland and Wales and Lynch considers public safety paramount.

“First and foremost, our priority is the safety of our players, people connected to the club and families,” said Lynch. “It is a day-by-day scenario but, as it stands, our players have been given a full week off club training and commitments.

“Based on research, we have introduced individual training programmes and players have been given permission to leave our shared accommodation to go home to their families.”

The Irish FA statement confirmed: “The Irish FA Board has met today. In response to the evolving situation around Coronavirus (Covid-19), and having listened to partners throughout the football family, the Board has suspended the current football season, at both domestic and grassroots level.

“The decision has been made with public health but, equally, the health and safety of players, match officials, staff and volunteers front of mind.

“We expect games to restart on Saturday 4 April 2020. The matter will be kept under constant review.

“This means no affiliated football will be played in Northern Ireland until that time.

“Government advice and that from the health authorities remains in place. We continue to encourage people to visit NHSUK/coronavirus for information about the virus and how to protect yourself and use the 111 online coronavirus service to check if you need medical help.”