Newcastle head coach Steve Bruce has called for the Premier League season to be put on hold as the effects of the virus make themselves felt.
The Magpies are due to face Sheffield United a St James' Park on Saturday but with Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton and Leicester having all hit by Covid-19 and the Gunners' clash with Brighton already postponed, the picture remains uncertain.
Speaking at his scheduled pre-match press conference on Friday morning, Bruce said: 'To play behind closed doors is not the answer, in my opinion.
'For me, suspend it, shut it down and re-arrange it for another date when we're a bit more clear about the whole situation.