Shane Ross: Dublin Euro 2020 games will be monitored closely amid coronavirus fears

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The Dublin legs of Euro 2020 will be “monitored very closely” amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak worldwide, and after the spread moved closer to home, this week, according to sport minister Shane Ross.

The Aviva Stadium is marked down to host three Euro 2020 group games and a last-16 clash in June, if the tournament still goes ahead.

But Shane Ross has now adopted a cautious outlook, saying the games and dates will now “be looked at”.

© Provided by Extra.ie Shane Ross says the Dublin Euro 2020 games will be monitored closely amid the coronavirus outbreak. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, he said: ‘It is going to be monitored very closely….all mass gatherings will have to be assessed.’

COVID-19 has already caused a number of world sporting events to be postponed or cancelled and yesterday, health minister Simon Harris said the National Public Health Emergency Team will “be able to finalise its guidelines which then could be issued out to organisations, and we could start a dialogue where necessary to provide help”.

© Provided by Extra.ie An order has been established which required doctors to immediately notify the HSE should there be any coronavirus cases in Ireland. Pic: Rollingnews.ie

Speaking about the cancellation of Ireland vs Italy this weekend, Ross added that he thought it was the right decision but admitted the IRFU felt they thought they should have been consulted sooner and “more closely”.