Gillingham players have been told to stay away from the club for another week.

The professional players were in on Monday but were then sent home, initially for the rest of the week. That’s now been extended until March 30

A message from the Gills today (Friday) said: “Gaffer Steve Evans has confirmed that, following a meeting with the chairman Paul Scally and taking into consideration the advice of two senior medical professionals, the players and staff will remain in isolation and away from MEMS Priestfield Stadium for a further 10 days.”

Gills boss Steve Evans said: "My overriding approach is to ensure all the players, staff and their families are safe.

"As a manager, I take the health and mental wellbeing of everyone here very seriously.

"The players have a daily fitness schedule which we monitor daily.

"These are testing times for everyone, only by doing as a nation what we are advised to do can we win this virus battle."

On Thursday, The Premier League, EFL and FA confirmed that the suspension of football put in place last week will now run until April 30, at the earliest.

There has been no play since professional football was halted on March 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Evans - who insists the team will be well prepared when football resumes - has taken advice from the club’s medical team throughout the ever-changing scene and the situation with the players will again be reviewed towards the end of next week.

Several teams in League 1 have taken similar steps, with Blackpool among those taking an extended break.

Players have been given their own personal workout regimes while away from the club.

And while the players have been away, the GFC School have made the most of the chance to play on the Priestfield pitch.

The club’s ticket office and shop will remain closed next week and phone lines won’t be manned. Senior staff are still at the club, however, including the chairman and the chief exec.

The latest sports news from Kent