THE EFL has published an update on its reaction to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, with chairman Rick Parry calling for calm.

All EFL matches have been suspended until Friday, April 3 at the earliest, but with the medical community suggesting the peak of the coronavirus spread is still some way off, it is already being suggested it will be impossible to resume playing games next month.

That has led to speculation that the Premier League and EFL might have to schedule matches deep into the summer or even void the entire season if a resumption proves impossible.

Voiding the season would raise a host of questions involving promotion and relegation, with Middlesbrough at risk of dropping out of the Championship and Sunderland involved in the battle to win promotion from League One.

However, Parry insists it is far too early to be considering such issues.

Parry said: "These are indeed challenging times for the League, its clubs and the game as a whole.

"However, now is the time for cool heads and calm reflection, rather than speculation as we look to steer our competitions and clubs through this period of uncertainty."

An emergency EFL board meeting is due to take place on Wednesday, when a range of possible scenarios will be discussed.

Today's statement said: "The health and well-being of EFL staff, players, club employees and supporters is of paramount importance and will be key to the decisions made by football during what is clearly an unprecedented
situation facing our game.

"It is with that in the forefront of the League’s mind that it notes the intense speculation that has appeared across the local, national and international media over the weekend.

"Whilst the League and its Board understand there is a strong desire from both the media and general public to understand what may happen next, there have, at this current time, been no decisions taken.

"The League also feels it inappropriate to respond to the many hypothetical solutions being suggested whilst the many unknowns remain. Given the fast paced environment and parameters we are currently working within, it is simply not practical to give a running commentary on what may happen.

"In the immediate short term we will continue with our contingency planning to deal with the implications the outbreak of Covid-19 has presented the EFL and its Clubs, in addition to liaising with the Government, health authorities and football partners.

"A further update will be given once the EFL Board has met this week.
In the meantime, we wish the football and wider community well and urge all to follow the guidance from the Government provided by Public Health England if presented with any symptoms -
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response