These are the Sunderland games affected as the EFL cancel upcoming fixtures

It has now been confirmed that no games will be played until the first weekend of April at the earliest, as coronavirus continues to spread around the UK.

And that means that Sunderland’s away fixtures with Blackpool and Southend United will be postponed, but will both be rearranged for later in the term.

Under the current suspension plans, the Black Cats’ first game back will be at home to Shrewsbury Town on April 4 – but the league blackout could quickly be extended beyond the initial three weeks should the need arise.

The full statement from the EFL read: “The FA, Premier League, EFL and Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until 3 April at the earliest.

“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.

“A further update on these plans will be given post an EFL Board Meeting next week.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the Government’s national efforts in tackling this outbreak.”

Next week’s UEFA Champions League and Europa League games have already been cancelled.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson – who has labelled coronavirus as the “worst public health crisis for a generation” – said the Government was "considering the question of banning major sporting events".

He said the evidence suggests it will "have little effect on the spread" of coronavirus, though such events did place a burden on public services.

However the situation escalated overnight with confirmation Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had tested positive with other cases at Bournemouth, Everton and Chelsea, leading the Premier League and EFL to arrange an emergency meeting on Friday.

An additional statement, released by the FA, added: “The decision is being made purely on the number of cases requiring self-isolation and the impact on facilities. Given the steps being taken across clubs, there is no alternative but for today’s action.

However, all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season’s domestic fixture programme and are liaising to establish appropriate options to do so.”

Read more from the Echo:

Live updates and reaction as coronavirus stops EFL and Premier League fixtures

What the EFL suspension could mean for Sunderland AFC

How the coronavirus outbreak could affect summer transfer business