Phil Parkinson reveals the steps Sunderland AFC are taking to combat coronavirus as cases in the area increase

The North East has today been the subject of new COVID-19 restrictions after case numbers in the region continued to rise in recent days.

And Parkinson has explained in detail some of the steps the Black Cats are taking to combat the virus within their camp.

On their return to training in pre-season, Sunderland’s players and staff were routinely tested for the virus – with regular results published by the EFL.

But as per league guidelines, testing is now not being done on a regular basis. However, tests are available for any player of staff member who may develop symptoms.

"We got tested a couple of weeks ago, and that was the last test that was scheduled for everybody,” explained Parkinson.

"Obviously it’s just the same and if anyone has any of the symptoms then straight away they would be tested.

"As a group, that was the last EFL guidelines – to have that test then and we’ve not got any more planned.”

But that doesn’t mean the Black Cats are taking a relaxed stance when it comes to coronavirus, with a number of measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus.

"We’ve got the temperature check every morning when we come in, and we’re doing everything we can around the training ground to keep it as a bubble,” added Parkinson.

"Nobody from the outside is coming in and we’re making sure that players are social distancing when they are sat in the dressing rooms, with their masks on when we’re in team meetings, and things like that.

“Our doctor has gone through everything we need to do and we’re trying to follow it, which I think is important.”

Parkinson is hoping the Black Cats can lift the spirits of the region on Saturday, when they travel to fellow promotion hopefuls Oxford United.

"My thoughts are with everybody in the area who has the virus, or who knows somebody with it,” he said.

"We just want to do our but to lift everybody at the weekend because it’s tough times, it really is, and everybody has to do everything they can to help themselves, their close friends and to make sure we control this virus as much as we can.

"At the moment, it doesn’t seem to be going away.”

Meanwhile, on a weekend where Middlesbrough are among eight EFL clubs to welcome 1,000 supporters into their games, Parkinson has confirmed that there was ‘talk’ about Sunderland hosting a similar pilot event.

However, he is not aware of any plans for the Stadium of Light to host a supporter pilot in the coming weeks.

"There was talk of it, but I don’t feel we’ve got anything scheduled in to do that,” admitted the Sunderland boss.

“I’m not sure why, whether there’s just been a select group of clubs that have been picked for that.”

Clubs in other areas facing new restrictions have already been told they will be unable to hold fan pilots.

Peterborough United president Darragh MacAnthony confirmed earlier this week that local authorities had refused a potential pilot at his club due to local infection rates.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Hi, our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Sunderland Echo, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package.

You'll find all the details at sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear

Football Clubs Editor