Carlo Ancelotti has paid tribute to the work Everton and Everton in the Community is doing to combat isolation and help support the vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic, saying everyone's focus must be on tackling and preventing the spread of the virus.

Earlier this month, Everton launched Blue Family, a coordinated outreach and engagement campaign to maintain contact with isolated fans and provide vital support and assistance.

A number of players and members of staff - including Ancelotti - have taken time out to phone supporters self-isolating or shielding at home, while the Club is also providing essential support including food parcels, financial assistance for prescriptions, mobile phone credit and fuel bills, and mental health support and advice.

Ancelotti, who was appointed Everton boss in December, says he is proud of the Club's response to the outbreak and urged all supporters to continue taking the greatest possible precautions.

"The only important thing for me is that we manage to limit the spread of the contagion," said Ancelotti.

"The government is now working diligently and the people have faith in the NHS, the national health system.

"Everton are doing a huge amount in terms of helping the elderly, those who are ill and people who are on their own.

"All of us are now living a life that we were not used to and which will change us profoundly.”

Ancelotti showed his support for the Blue Family campaign this week by calling 52-year-old Evertonian Mark (watch the video above).

Mark, a policeman, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease 12 months ago and is currently self-isolating as a precaution against the coronavirus outbreak.

He was stunned to pick up his phone to discover the Italian on the line asking about his love of Everton and how the football club could help him, wife Laura and their four children during what is an incredibly challenging and uncertain period for the family.

Ancelotti's homeland of Italy remains the country worst affected by Covid-19 and the 60-year-old reiterated the need for the public to stay safe and help protect the NHS.

“Health is our number one priority today, it is all about limiting the spread of the virus," he said.

"Everything else is of secondary importance.

"When the season resumes, when it ends… believe me when I tell you this, none of these things are important to me.

"At this moment in time they are the furthest thing from my mind.”

Blue Family has also seen Everton introduce a referral form enabling fans and the wider public to put forward the names of people they believe may need support or a friendly voice to speak to at this difficult time. In addition to a phone call, Everton in the Community staff may also be able to assist those vulnerable and in isolation within the Liverpool area with food deliveries, prescription drop-offs and other support services.

To complete the referral form, click here.