Whitehaven have confirmed it will going into lockdown mode from noon today.

The board has appointed a temporary management committee made-up of some of the directors headed by chairman Tom Todd.

He said: “We intend to keep our supporters regularly informed as to what is happening over the situation.

“To start with we'll be operating with a couple of office staff and myself. Our two groundsmen will be coming on alternate dates.

“The gates will be locked, but if anyone wants us, by ringing the office we will be able to come out and see what is required.

“There will be someone at the ground on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

“Two functions due to be held in the club bar have been cancelled and the Probus Club, who hold regular meetings have also put them on hold.

“We are living in testing times for everyone but if there are any questions the fans would like to ask me, I can always be contacted on 07507 110279 or 01946 841972.

“The office number is 01946 328088 and we'll try and answer any queries the fans may have.”

The Rugby Football League has said it will look again at the situation on April 13 but nobody expects to be playing before May at the earliest.

Some forecasts even go well beyond that, suggesting that May and June could also end up being ruled-out.