Europe has now become the epicenter of the pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, apart from China according to the World Health Organisation.
More cases are now being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic.
There are now 798 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, 208 more than yesterday.
As of 9am 13 March 2020, a total of 32,771 people have been tested with 31,973 negative and 798 positive.
The Spanish government is to declare a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus epidemic, paving the way for drastic containment measures after the number of confirmed cases in the country passed 4,200 and the death toll rose to 120,
The Premier League, the Football League and the Women’s Super League and Championship have suspended all matches until 3 April in response to the coronavirus pandemic
It follows the news that Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi have contracted the virus.
Three Leicester players are also being tested, while Everton announced one of its players had been showing symptoms.
In a statement the EFL said
“This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken due to the increasing numbers of Clubs taking steps to isolate their players and staff because of the COVID-19 virus.
The postponements include all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures.
In addition, Clubs are being advised to suspend indefinitely all non-essential activities which include, but are not limited to, player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings.
Whilst the EFL Board has continued to take the advice and guidance offered by the Government and its health advisors, emerging developments mean now is the time to implement football’s contingency plans in response to the crisis.”
Wales’ Six Nations game at home against Scotland on Saturday became the latest sport event to be postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
In Sri Lanka, the decision has been made for the England cricket players to return to the UK
“Following discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket, the decision was made to return our players to the UK and postpone the forthcoming Test series between Sri Lanka and England.” Said the ECB in a statement
“At this time, the physical and mental wellbeing of our players and support teams is paramount. We will now look to bring them home to their families as soon as possible. These are completely unprecedented times, and decisions like this go beyond cricket.”
