Football authorities in England on Friday announced that all professional games, including the Premier League, will be postponed to April 3 at the earliest out of public health concerns arising from COVID-19.

"The FA, Premier League, EFL (lower leagues) and FA Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until Friday 3 April at the earliest," a statement from the Football Association (FA) said.

COVID-19 has been spreading in Europe and causing major disruption to football. Before Friday, three of the five major European football leagues – Ligue 1, La Liga and Serie A – had been all suspended.

By contrast, the Bundesliga in Germany decided to play on but behind closed doors as the Premier League seemed determined to push ahead with fan attendance.

However, the situation soon grew critical. So far, six Premier League clubs have seen symptoms of possible COVID-19 infection among staff:

Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea tested positive for the virus and the whole team were quarantined.

Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal for the virus and the whole team were quarantined.

Three first-team players of Leicester City tested positive and were "kept away from the squad."

Three of Watford's players were sent home from training and the club are waiting for test results.

A first-team player of Everton showed symptoms of contracting COVID-19 and the whole squad entered isolation.

Goalkeeper Artur Boruc and four working staff of Bournemouth showed symptoms of infection and were behind closed doors.

"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," said the FA.

Earlier on Friday, the UEFA announced that all Champions League and Europa League games scheduled for next week have been delayed.