Mauritius referee Maria Rivet believes taking simple measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic can help to halt the spread of the disease and will hasten a return to play for footballers around the COSAFA region.

Rivet is the only female referee from Mauritius on the FIFA international list this year, and is a veteran of continental competition having been on the panel since 2013.

“The only way to combat the spreading of the coronavirus pandemic is to break the chain of transmission by applying simple sanitising methods, such as to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or to use sanitizer,” Rivet says.

“Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow when you have to cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

“In public, maintain social distancing and wear a face mask. If you have any symptoms, like fever, cough or difficulties in breathing, seek medical advice early.

“Together we can stay safe!”

Rivet is a well-respected figure on the African continent and was in charge of the third-place play-off at the 2018 African Women’s Championship as Cameroon defeated Mali 4-2.

She has also been a regular at COSAFA Cup finals tournaments, including the last one in South Africa in 2019.

You can watch her video message for fans right here! 

As Rivet says, supporters are urged to follow the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, which include:

Wash your hands frequently: Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Maintain social distancing: Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth: Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene: Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early: Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.