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ACE VIRUS SCARE
Man City star Benjamin Mendy checked by coronavirus medics in hazmat suits after family member falls ill
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MANCHESTER City ace Benjamin Mendy was at the centre of a coronavirus scare today after a family member fell ill at his home.
The defender has been ordered to self-isolate after the relative came down with respiratory problems at his £4.8million Cheshire mansion.
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Witnesses told of the dramatic moment paramedics in Hazmat suits dashed into the six-bed property today.
One told The Sun: "An ambulance and a rapid response car turned up at about 11am. A medic got out in a Hazmat suit - it was like something off a horror film.
"They were coming in and out of the property for about five hours. It was obvious they were treating it as though it could be something to do with the coronavirus."
The 25-year-old French international, who came on as a substitute in City's 2-0 derby day defeat against Man United on Sunday, is understood to have been at home when they arrived.
It is not yet known if he or his family member has the deadly disease that has already killed ten in the UK but respiratory problems can be a sign of the virus.
The relative is now undergoing tests for COVID-19 and Mendy has been told to self-isolate by the club.
City are due to play Burnley FC on Saturday but Mendy has been ruled out of the fixture.
The North West Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to an address on Mendy's road in Prestbury, Cheshire, but declined to give further details.
'WORRYING TIME'
A source said: "It's a worrying time for Ben and his family.
"But the truth at the moment is like thousands of others around the country, they don't actually know if they have coronavirus or flu, or something completely unconnected.
"No one is taking any risks though and City has asked him to stay at home and are offering him all the support they can.
"He's a very popular member of the squad and everyone hopes his loved one is okay and makes a full recovery.
"If they do have coronavirus, City will follow all the necessary guidelines and medical advice and do their best to help Benjamin."
A City spokeswoman said last night: "The club can confirm that a family member of a men's team player is in hospital with symptoms of a respiratory illness.
"The individual has undergone tests at hospital, one of which is for Covid-19. Until the results are known, the player in question is self-isolating as a precaution."
Just six days ago Mendy joked about coronavirus and posted a picture to his 2.9million followers on Instagram showing him covering his face with a black hat and mask.
It was captioned alongside a shocked face emoji and said: "Mask on".
CORONAVIRUS FEARS
The Blues signed Mendy on a five-year deal from Monaco for £50million in July 2017.
The defender, who earns around £90,000-a-week, snapped up his mansion from former England cricketer Freddie Flintoff in November that year.
A private security guard was yesterday parked near his modern gated mansion and there were workmen inside the grounds but there was no sign of Mendy.
One neighbour said: "I saw an ambulance and one man in an all white coat. I did wonder what was going on but didn't want to get too close.
"You fear the worse when you see people in white suits."
Another neighbour said: "He had a few friends around the night before but they all left at 11pm.
"I saw a paramedic but didn't see Benjamin Mendy. There has been people doing some work there. He has a private chef staying there and people to look after him.
Mendy’s coronavirus scare comes as Leicester put three players into self-isolation over COVID-19 fears.
Brendan Rodgers said they had shown symptoms of the disease so they have “followed procedures” and had them “kept away from the squad”.
Chelsea also cancelled their first team training on Thursday so that their Cobham base could undergo a deep clean.
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It added to calls led by Gary Lineker and Piers Morgan to suspend the football calendar worldwide due to the continued spread of the virus.
Lineker tweeted: “The NBA has suspended the season. Football is heading that way too. Can’t see how it won’t happen.”
Morgan agreed, writing: “Cancel football this season. Now.”
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