WANDERERS are restricting access to the stadium and training ground to “essential personnel only” as they react to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Players are to be given individual training programmes to keep up fitness away from the club and most staff will be asked to work from home for the foreseeable future.

The Football Association yesterday confirmed that all football will be postponed until April 30 at the earliest and following government advice Wanderers are scaling down their operations from the end of this week.

Bolton Central will be taking online orders and the lottery office will be operating on reduced opening hours.

Chairman Sharon Brittan said the decision had been taken in the best interests of staff and supporters’ wellbeing.

“We are in unprecedented and challenging times, but the health and well-being of all our staff and supporters is at the forefront of our minds,” she said.

“We have therefore decided to take sensible precautions to protect their welfare by making some alterations to our usual working practices.

“Where it is possible, our colleagues will be working from home in order to protect them and their families’ well-being.

“Whilst looking after ourselves and our loved ones, I would urge us all to keep an eye out for our neighbours, especially those in our community who are the most at risk.

“We must always heed the advice given to us by experts as we all have a very important role to play in minimising the spread of COVID-19.

“What matters now, above all else, is civility, common sense and community spirit.

“On behalf of everybody at Bolton Wanderers, I would like to send you our best wishes. Stay safe and follow the latest advice issued by Public Health England.”

The club can still be contacted via email with ticketing enquires directed to ticketsales@bwfc.co.uk and commercial and hospitality enquiries to sales@bwfc.co.uk.

Merchandise can still be ordered online at bwfcdirect.co.uk but the club is warning there could be delays to deliveries in the current climate. Any questions should be directed to merchandising@bwfc.co.uk.

The Whites Hotel continues to take room reservations and has also issued the following statement: “The global coronavirus pandemic is affecting all of our families, our businesses, our communities, and our way of life; together we are facing a truly unprecedented situation. “At Bolton Whites Hotel, the health, wellbeing and safety of our clients, members and staff is our top priority. “As we continue to monitor coronavirus developments closely, I want to reassure you we are taking all pragmatic and sensible steps to ensure that we are prepared and well positioned to minimise the potential impact on the welfare of our staff, guests and members, while continuing to deliver on our service commitments.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and to ensure we can continue to operate effectively our sales and reservations team members will be working from home from Monday, March 23, 2020. “If you have any questions about a current conference or event booking or want to place a new enquiry please email info@boltonwhiteshotel.co.uk and one of the team will be in touch.

“Alternatively room reservations can still be made via our online booking system, www.boltonwhiteshotel.co.uk.

“We will constantly keep our website updated with new information as things progress. “Please refer to this website or call the Hotel Reception on 01204 673610.

“From us all at Whites, we truly wish you, your family and loved ones every blessing.

“Take care of yourself and each other.”