A total of 1,130 players and club staff were tested on Thursday and Friday as the competition gears towards a resumption amid the health pandemic, having been suspended since March.
Premier League clubs this week returned to contact training and top-flight action is provisionally scheduled to restart on June 17.
Four individuals returned positive results in the previous round of checks, taking the overall total to 12 since the league started its testing programme.
"The Premier League can today confirm that on Thursday 28 May and Friday 29 May, 1,130 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, zero have tested positive," a Premier League statement read.
"The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency.
"No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the league and results will be made public after each round of testing."
The topic of footballers' salaries is in the spotlight after health secretary Matt Hancock suggested players in the top flight should make a contribution to help during the health crisis.
The Premier League called for players to take a 30 per cent pay cut in a statement released on Friday, though the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) responded by pointing out such a move would lead to a loss in important revenue via tax contributions.
Watford goalkeeper Foster revealed there is an "understanding" from players that something needs to be done during these unprecedented times, but said any action - whether through salary cuts or wage deferrals - should come as a united front.
"Pretty much every footballer I've spoken to... I think it is something we understand, we completely agree that something needs to be done," Foster told talkSPORT.
"But from a player's point of view, and I’m sure the PFA will be talking about it today. As long as it is done in a structured manner.
"It is important to cover every team with the same [policy], whether it's a deferral or a cut, so that we are all under the same blanket.
"Now, more than ever, it is so important that we do this together. When you start getting teams doing their own individual wage cuts or deferrals, that's when it starts to get a bit messy.
"I know from talking to everyone at Watford that we are understanding that this needs to happen.
"Something like this is unprecedented. No one knows where it's going or how hard it's going to be. If we can do something in the meantime, you've got to do it."
The Premier League season is suspended indefinitely due to the virus, though there remains a commitment to completing the 2019-20 fixtures.
Reports earlier this week said England's top flight, which was halted in March as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, could return within weeks.
United Kingdom prime minister Boris Johnson was reportedly briefed on a plan to play games behind closed doors in a bid to boost morale with the country still under lockdown measures.
A meeting of Premier League shareholders took place on Friday in which the next steps were discussed for what it has dubbed 'Project Restart'.
The Premier League said it welcomes the support of the government but as yet there is no definitive return date.
"At a meeting of Premier League shareholders today, clubs discussed possible steps towards planning to resume the 2019-20 season, when it is safe and appropriate to do so," a Premier League statement read.
"It was reiterated that the thoughts of all are with those directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the Premier League's priority is the health and safety of players, coaches, managers, club staff, supporters and the wider community.
"The League and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers. The league welcomed the creation of the government medical working group for a return of elite sport, which met for the first time this morning.
"No decisions were taken at today's shareholders' meeting and clubs exchanged views on the information provided regarding Project Restart. It was agreed that the PFA [Professional Footballers' Association], LMA [League Managers Association], players and managers are key to this process and will be further consulted.
"The clubs reconfirmed their commitment to finishing the 2019-20 season, maintaining integrity of the competition and welcomed the government's support."
The Eredivisie and Ligue 1 opted to cancel the remainder of their seasons but several of Europe's top leagues are still seeking solutions to complete campaigns.
It was confirmed on Thursday the German government had delayed a decision on when the Bundesliga can restart until May 6, while Lega Serie A reportedly revealed on Friday its 20 clubs had unanimously agreed to complete the season.
Liverpool were 25 points clear of second-place Manchester City prior to the Premier League's suspension.
The proliferation of COVID-19 has seen the majority of global sport grind to a halt, with a meeting of Premier League shareholders on Friday acknowledging England's top flight will not get back under way at the start of May.
Tottenham, Newcastle United, Norwich City and Bournemouth have placed at least part of their non-playing staff on furlough leave at the United Kingdom government's expense.
Health secretary Matt Hancock called on Premier League footballers to "take a pay cut and play their part", with the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) attracting criticism for a lack of action in agreeing such measures.
However, clubs will now approach their players about reducing their salaries while football is on hiatus.
A Premier League statement read: "The sporting and financial implications for Premier League clubs as well as for the FA, EFL and National League were considered at today's meeting.
"In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019- 20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration.
"This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change. The League will be in regular contact with the PFA and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the League, players and club representatives."
The Premier League also announced that £125million would be advanced to the EFL and National League due to the "severe difficulties clubs throughout the football pyramid are suffering at this time".
All leagues overseen by the EFL and National League have been suspended indefinitely.
An additional £20m has been committed to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the pandemic.
"This includes a direct financial contribution to the NHS and funds to enable clubs to refocus their efforts and develop significant outreach programmes to help communities, including those most in need. This funding will enable both immediate and longer-term support during the crisis," the statement read.
"In response to COVID-19, Premier League clubs have been supporting tens of thousands of people in their communities each and every day through targeted activity including donations to foodbanks, telephone calls to the elderly, food parcels delivered to the vulnerable and a wide range of free resources to support wellbeing and education.
"Many Premier League clubs are also working closely with their local NHS Trusts to provide valuable support through the provision of resources, volunteers and facilities. Now, more than ever, clubs are playing a vital role to support the wellbeing of those in their communities and alleviate pressure on critical health services.
"Working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England and the NHS, the wide reach and appeal of the Premier League and our clubs will continue to be used to promote important public health messaging throughout this crisis.
"The Premier League would like to reiterate that the thoughts of all our clubs are with all those directly affected by COVID-19."
Football in England has been placed on hold indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic and the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) did not agree to a proposed wage reduction of 30 per cent during a meeting with Premier League stakeholders on Saturday.
The PFA claimed the loss of tax contributions would adversely affect government-funded services, with chief executive Gordon Taylor insisting players simply want clarification on where any money they sacrifice will go.
Health secretary Matt Hancock placed pressure on footballers to do their bit as Premier League sides Newcastle United, Tottenham, Norwich City, Bournemouth and Liverpool put non-playing staff on furlough.
However, Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville and Gary Lineker have been among the high-profile figures stating it is unfair for players to be singled out during the debate over salary reductions.
Dowden warned the public "will take a very dim view" if footballers and owners do not make a sizeable sacrifice while those with less financial resources struggle.
"We're all missing the drama of sport right now, but this weekend we saw news on the back pages return for all the wrong reasons," he wrote in The Telegraph.
"Given how central sport is to British life, it's perhaps no surprise that its contribution to the coronavirus battle is under the microscope.
"But the deadlock between the Professional Footballers' Association and Premier League clubs on player wage cuts is deeply concerning, especially at a time when more clubs have announced they are furloughing many of their lowest paid staff.
"Players and managers are able to reach people in ways politicians can only dream of. In times such as these, people will look to football for leadership and they have a right to expect it.
"So clubs, players and owners should be thinking very carefully about their next steps.
"Leaving the public purse to pick up the cost of furloughing low paid workers, whilst players earn millions and billionaire owners go untouched is something I know the public will rightly take a very dim view of.
"At a time of national crisis, our national sport must play its part. I expect to see the football authorities judge the mood of the country and come together with an agreement urgently."
Dowden highlighted Marcus Rashford's work to raise money for children relying on free school meals and the fact Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold urged members of the public to follow government advice and stay at home.
"It's especially important that a disagreement over players' wages doesn't undermine all the good work that sport - including football - is doing to help the government's efforts to tackle coronavirus," Dowden continued.
"I have the privilege of representing many brilliant industries, but sport was the first to knock on my door with a long list of offers to support the NHS, to help the most vulnerable in our country and keep families occupied and healthy at home.
"Millions of us have benefited from individual sports men and women offering to do their bit."
He concluded: "Sport is vital to Britain's sense of self. It will help us cope with the most difficult times and when, and only when, the time is right and it is safe to do so, the return of live sport will lift the nation like nothing else could.
"And when we are through this and live sport brings us that joy once more, the sector should be able to look back knowing that it too played its part."
Sporting events and competitions across the globe have been either postponed or cancelled altogether as governments and organisations attempt to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, prime minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Thursday the British government would not yet be cancelling large-scale public events, though that is subject to change.
Following this announcement, the Premier League – now the only major European league not to either postpone entire rounds of fixtures or play matches behind closed doors – confirmed this weekend's round of fixtures would go ahead.
The Merseyside derby is among the latest round of games, with Liverpool just two wins away from clinching a first league title since 1990.
"Following the latest update from government issued this afternoon, all Premier League matches will go ahead as scheduled this weekend," a statement on the league's official website read.
"While the prime minister advised that all sporting events should take place as normal for now, he also indicated that government is considering banning major public events, like sporting fixtures.
"We are therefore continuing to work closely with our clubs, government, The FA, EFL and other relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate contingency plans are in place as and when circumstances change.
"The welfare of players, staff and supporters is of paramount importance and we will continue to follow Public Health England guidelines thoroughly."
Shortly after the statement was released, Arsenal confirmed head coach Mikel Arteta had tested positive for coronavirus.
Arsenal's London Colney training centre was closed, with Arteta the first confirmed case in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, an unnamed Manchester City player – reported to be Benjamin Mendy – is self-isolating after a member of their family fell ill and was tested.
Brendan Rodgers earlier confirmed three Leicester City players had also self-isolated after showing coronavirus symptoms.
The English Football League has also confirmed matches will continue to take place until it is advised otherwise.
City were scheduled to host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium midweek, however, the fixture will not take place in Manchester based on medical advice.
The decision comes "after it emerged that personnel from Arsenal have come into contact with the Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis, who has been named as a positive case of COVID-19."
Arsenal added that their players will self-isolate at home for 14 days, while four staff members will also remain at home until the two weeks are complete – dating back to the last time they had contact 13 days ago.
In a statement, the Premier League said: "We understand this will cause inconvenience and cost to fans planning to attend the game but Arsenal, Manchester City and the Premier League have agreed that the short notice of Mr Marinakis' infection means there is no alternative but to take the time to complete a proper assessment of risk.
"All necessary measures are being taken and the Premier League currently has no plans to postpone any other matches."
Pep Guardiola's City are due to host Burnley on Saturday, while Arsenal travel to relegation-threatened Brighton and Hove Albion on the same day.
Italy has been the hardest hit by coronavirus outside of China, with Serie A and all sporting activities suspended until April 3 following more than 10,100 cases and 600 deaths.
More than 3,000 people have died in China, while there have been six deaths and more than 380 cases in the United Kingdom.
After a meeting of its stakeholders on Friday, the Premier League issued a statement to reaffirm their commitment to completing the 2019-20 season, though only when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Media reports have suggested plans are tentatively in place for a resumption in the middle of June, almost certainly at neutral venues, with the United Kingdom government involved in what has been called 'Project Restart'.
Players, coaches and club staff would require testing before top-flight fixtures can be staged again, however, and Chelsea boss Lampard insists such measures should not be done at the expense of NHS employees or careworkers.
"The idea of the health and safety of the players is huge," Lampard told BT Sport.
"The country has practiced social distancing so well and the fact we play this contact sport that we are so desperate to see for a form of escapism, if anything, so how are we not going to put the players at risk within that?
"The other issue is talking about the testing that we are going to be doing.
"We probably have 70 or 80 staff at Cobham, minimum, if we are going to restart training. If we're going to test regularly, then that's fine.
"But when when we're looking around the world - and I don't know the testing numbers for the NHS and careworkers, these people that are doing incredible roles over the last two months or so - I don't think it would sit well, not just with me but with anybody, if we didn't make sure the people that are getting tested are on that front line.
"That's important for football to take its place.
"After that, we probably have the football issues, which would be neutral venues and out of contract players, of which we have a couple of major players, so there are many conversations and I think that's very clear at the minute."
Confirmation came after meetings involving league officials and club representatives on Friday.
Synchronised Premier League and EFL announcements, released at 11:00 GMT, followed the news of Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.
The UK Government said on Thursday it was not yet necessary to postpone major sporting fixtures, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson declaring there was "no medical reason at the moment to ban such events".
However, the Premier League has taken the view that the time is right to call off games until the threat has subsided.
The Premier League said in a statement: "Following a meeting of shareholders today, it was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on April 4, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time.”
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “Above all, we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by COVID-19.
"In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, Government, the FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.”
The Premier League said its intention was to ensure the postponed fixtures were played at a later date.
England’s friendly internationals against Denmark and Italy have also been postponed, the Football Association (FA) said. Those games were due to take place on March 27 and March 31 at Wembley.
Liverpool are on course to win their maiden Premier League title, and a first top-flight championship since triumphing in the old First Division in 1989-90.
Jurgen Klopp's side sit 25 points clear of second-placed Manchester City, having won 27 of 29 matches so far.
A number of Premier League games had already been postponed, including Wednesday's match between Manchester City and Arsenal, which did not go ahead, and Arsenal's clash with Brighton.
The Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship have also been put on hold. The EFL said all academy and youth-team fixtures had also been postponed.
“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,” the EFL said.
The EFL explained why the decision had been taken to go beyond that recommended on Friday by the government.
It said: “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.”
The Champions League has also been hit hard by postponements, and a UEFA meeting on Tuesday could see decisions made on how that competition and the Europa League move forward, and whether Euro 2020 can take place this year.
All 20 top-flight clubs were present at a meeting on Friday for further talks over the campaign amid the continued suspension of the competition due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The league was halted on March 13, initially until April 3, though the extent of the COVID-19 outbreak means it is still unclear exactly when proceedings will be able to restart.
An extension will be necessary to fit in the backlog of fixtures, with the meeting allowing stakeholders to hold discussions over "possible scheduling models".
"In common with other businesses and industries, the Premier League and our clubs are working through complex planning scenarios," a widely reported Premier League statement read.
"We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the government.
"The health and wellbeing of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters are our priority and the League will only restart when medical guidance allows.
"Today's shareholders' meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models. It remains our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops."
The United Kingdom has now had over 100,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 14,000 deaths during the global health crisis.
The Premier League initially suspended all fixtures after Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for the virus last month.
Parry added that the 2019-20 campaign needs to be finished by July 31 for sides outside the top flight.
Former Liverpool and Premier League chief executive Parry was giving evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Professional football in England has been suspended since March, with Parry revealing that clubs below the top flight are facing a £200million shortfall by the end of September as a result.
"Our end date realistically is 31 July because of the situation with contracts," said Parry of when the season needs to come to a close. "We can't go beyond July.
"Players and staff have been furloughed and to expect clubs to bring them back in now, to forgo the furlough, only to then find in a month they can't play would be a complete mess.
"We need within days to be taking decisions.
"We have a great deal of uncertainty around next season and the undetermined matter of when we'll be able to return with crowds, which for the EFL is absolutely critical.
"We're much more dependent upon the revenue and atmosphere generated by crowds than the Premier League."
Some Premier League clubs are reportedly uneasy about the competitive disadvantage of playing behind closed doors at neutral venues as they battle relegation, believing the drop into the Championship should be taken off the table.
However, Parry said: "The Premier League is aware of our position on that. There would be a degree of outrage from a number of clubs in the Championship and it would be a breach of the tripartite agreement."
Parry added that "lawyers are going to get wealthy" if relegation is scrapped.
Norwich City, Aston Villa and Bournemouth were in the relegation places when the season was halted. West Ham and Watford were only outside the bottom three on goal difference, with Brighton and Hove Albion two points clear of the drop.
The 2019-20 top-flight campaign has been halted since March 13 due to the global health pandemic, though the Premier League has continued to make clear its determination to complete the backlog of fixtures.
Friday will see further talks held between stakeholders over how to proceed, with reports suggesting there is hope for action to resume on the weekend commencing June 13.
Neville, however, is concerned over games going ahead in Britain safely - even behind closed doors - considering the logistical issues involved.
Instead, the former Manchester United and England defender has raised the possibility of shifting to safer locations in Europe, places that can "handle the virus" and allow football to be played.
"If the Premier League are really serious about delivering the matches that remain in a safe environment, they would move it to the two or three spots that are within three or four hours of this country that are coronavirus free," Neville said during Sky Sports' The Football Show on Friday.
"They would take the Premier League players, broadcasters and media over, quarantine for a week or two and then deliver it in an environment that has proven it can handle this virus.
"There are a couple of hotspots in Europe that haven't got coronavirus which could handle the Premier League finishing. If they were serious about it and wanted to deliver it with a safe outcome, they could do that.
"In this country, I'm not sure they can deliver it with the amount of coronavirus which is around, especially with the amount of movement of it out there and the logistic issues. I'm not sure they can deliver what they want to do."
The United Kingdom has seen over 26,000 coronavirus-related deaths during the crisis.
Players including Liverpool and Manchester United captains Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire confirmed the plans in a social media statement on Tuesday.
The announcement comes after UK health secretary Matt Hancock had urged the highest-paid footballers in the country to "play their part" in helping key services during the COVID-19 crisis.
Those comments attracted criticism from some in the sport, including United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who said it was unfair to paint players as an easy target while discussions about contributions to health services and charities were ongoing.
The statement said: "Over the course of the last week we, as a group of Premier League players, have held numerous talks together with the vision of creating a contribution fund that can be used to distribute money to where it's needed most in this COVID-19 crisis; helping those fighting for us on the NHS frontline as well as other key areas of need. This is a critical time for our country and for our NHS, and we are determined to help in any way that we can.
"We can confirm that after extensive conversations between a huge number of players from all Premier League clubs we have created our own collective player initiative, #PlayersTogether, and have partnered with NHS Charities Together (NHSCT) in order to assist them in generating and distributing funds quickly and efficiently to where they are needed most.
"NHSCT is the national umbrella organisation for over 150 registered charities, working closely with the Charity Commission, Department of Health and Social Care, and NHS England to represent, champion, and support the NHS' official charities. NHSCT are the official charity partner of the NHS nationally.
"The contributions that this initiative will generate will help NHSCT quickly grant funds to the front line to support in a number of ways, including to help enhance the well-being of NHS staff, volunteers and patients impacted by COVID-19 as well as helping them in their work supporting many other critical areas of need both now and in the longer term.
"#PlayersTogether is about we, as players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other club and league conversations, that can help get much needed funds to those that need it right now. To try and help, along with so many others in the country, make a real difference.
"Our prayers and thoughts go out to everybody affected by this crisis. By sticking together, we will get through this."
The Premier League, along with the majority of sporting tournaments and events across the globe, is currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Many nations are in total or near-total lockdown, with people only allowed to leave their homes for essential trips and exercise.
Though there is no sport to keep people entertained, some of the biggest names – both players and managers – from the Premier League came together on Saturday at 1500 GMT to spread the message: "stay at home, save lives."
Using his official Twitter and Instagram accounts, Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling shared a video.
"We need to stay at home, let's help our NHS by staying home, only leave if you need food, medicine or exercise," Sterling said. "The NHS have been doing a fantastic job so let's help them continue doing their wonderful work."
He was also joined by his City team-mates Aymeric Laporteand Benjamin Mendy, as well as the club's ladies captain Steph Houghton.
Across the city, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaeralso offered his support to the campaign.
"Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives," the Norwegian said in a video posted to United's Twitter feed.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus on March 12 and, having now recovered, he also shared the message.
"I encourage everybody, please be responsible and stay at home as much as possible," the Spaniard said.
Meanwhile, Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard said: "To help save lives, you must stay home. Only leave home to buy essential food, medicine or for individual exercise and always stay two metres apart. This is an urgent message. Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives."
Premier League leaders Liverpool shared a graphic which read: "Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives."
Tottenham striker and England captain Harry Kane did not share a video, but wrote in a post on Twitter: "Saturday 3pm normally means football. But at the moment it's far more important everyone stays home. Do your bit. Protect the NHS, save lives."
With Liverpool 25 points clear atop the table, the Premier League was suspended last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Many leagues around the world have been brought to a standstill, with Belgium set to cancel the rest of their campaign and award the title to leaders Club Brugge.
Marino, whose club are owned by Giampaolo Pozzo – the father of Watford owner Gino, believes England will do likewise.
"The Belgian federation has sanctioned the end of the championship, despite the threat of UEFA sanctions," he told Sportitalia on Tuesday.
"England is about to issue the same measure because the situation is becoming very serious. I speak of the Premier League."
Marino added: "We have to get away from this danger, no matter the weather. I'm worried about the coming seasons, not the old one."
More than 81,800 people have died from coronavirus worldwide, while there have been more than 1.4 million cases.
In the United Kingdom, more than 6,100 people have died from coronavirus.
With almost 160,000 confirmed cases of the virus and close to 6,000 deaths, athletes across the globe are waiting to learn when they will return to work.
We take a look at the provisional return dates set out so far.
BASKETBALL
The NBAcame to a sudden stop when a Utah Jazz player - later revealed to be Rudy Gobert - tested positive on Wednesday, and league commissioner Adam Silver warned the hiatus would "be most likely at least 30 days".
CRICKET
International cricket has been pushed back, but there are no firm dates as things stand for rescheduled matches. England's two-match Test tour of Sri Lanka was called off midway through a warm-up match, while the ODI series between India and South Africa was postponed after the first of three matches was washed out. Australia won an opening ODI against New Zealand behind closed doors, but the remaining two 50-over matches were delayed, along with a three-match Twenty20 series. There is at least a provisional date for the Indian Premier League to belatedly start: April 15, pushed back from March 29.
FOOTBALL
European football is at a standstill, with the Champions League among the elite-level competitions suspended. UEFA is set to meet to discuss the future of that tournament and Euro 2020 this week, while FIFA has advised postponements of upcoming international fixtures, for which clubs are no longer required to release their players. The Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A are all paused at least until April 3 although the Bundesliga has only called off one matchweek as things stand, while Ligue 1 is off "until further notice".
GOLF
The PGA Tour initially announced a three-week suspension, with The Players Championship stopped after its opening round. The Masters - won in 2019 by Tiger Woods - was therefore set to mark the Tour's return on April 9, but organisers soon announced the first major of the year would also be postponed. The RBC Heritage on April 16 is the next scheduled tournament. Organisers are planning "regular status updates in the coming weeks" amid "a very fluid situation that requires constant review, communication, and transparency".
MOTORSPORT
The Formula One season is still to start after races in Australia, Bahrain, Vietnam and China were postponed or cancelled. The Dutch Grand Prix on May 3 remains on at this stage, however, while managing director of motorsports Ross Brawn has suggested the calendar could be reshuffled, with races held in August. NASCAR has postponed events in Atlanta and Miami this and next weekend, and all IndyCar Series races through Aprilhave been cancelled.
RUGBY
Rugby league has largely been able to continue both in England and in Australia, but the same is not true of rugby union. Six Nations matches were among the first to fall by the wayside amid the crisis in Italy, with the Azzurri seeing matches against both Ireland and England postponed until later in the year. France versus Ireland was off, too, while Scotland's trip to Wales belatedly followed suit. Club action has ground to a halt, with Super Rugby finally paused this weekend and no return imminent.
TENNIS
After Indian Wells and then the Miami Open were cancelled, the ATP Tour announced its suspension up to and including the week of April 20. The WTA Tour preferred to call off individual events, but the schedule is now clear for five weeks. It was still to make a decision on the European clay-court season. The Fed Cup finals and play-offs - set for mid-April - have been pushed back, meanwhile, with the ITF vowing to address any impact the postponement may have on players' eligibility for Tokyo 2020.
OTHERS
Despite chaos surrounding various sports across the globe, Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe says the country is still planning for the Olympic Games in Tokyo to go ahead as scheduled in July. The London Marathon and the Boston Marathon will both still go ahead this year, but with revised dates of October 4 and September 14, respectively. The Giro d'Italia will be postponed and a new date for the race will not be announced until at least April 3 when a decree in Italy banning sport ends. The NBA is not the only American competition to be disrupted, meanwhile, with the 2020 MLBseason moved back "at least two weeks" from March 26, and the NHLcampaign paused indefinitely.
Twitter user Josh Howes tweeted the England international with a message to enquire over his recovery from a back injury.
The post showed Howes and his wife working at a hospital wearing personal protective equipment.
"I miss football!!!! @MarcusRashford how's the recovery going???" the tweet read.
"Wishing you well man. Literally can't wait to see you rip it up again!
"Me and the wife can get some tickets for O.T [Old Trafford] and we can stop having to wear this nonsense for 13 hours a day! #NHSCovidHeroes #NHSworkers."
Rashford was only too happy to make this wish come true.
"I've got two tickets reserved for you mate," he replied. "Looking forward to celebrating the real superstars around here.
"I'll be in touch when we are back up and running. Thank you for everything you're doing man."
Howes thanked Rashford before joking he should get in touch with Gary Neville to ask for a place to stay at the former United favourite's hotel.
Rashford's charitable efforts have been notable during the Premier League shutdown, with his online promotion helping to drive donations that allowed anti-hunger and food waste charity FareShare to reach almost one million children across the United Kingdom last week.
The Premier League announced six positive results from three clubs on Tuesday after 748 tests were carried out on players and staff at 19 of the top-flight teams.
Burnley confirmed that assistant Ian Woan had tested positive and Mariappa on Wednesday spoke of his surprise at finding out he has COVID-19.
"It's quite scary how you can feel absolutely fine and not really have left the house, and yet still get the virus," Mariappa told Telegraph Sport.
"If it wasn't for the fact I had gone back to training and had this test, then I'd never have found out that I had the virus and I would just be getting on with things as normal. That's obviously quite a strange thought.
"I live with three of my children, who are five, nine and 11, and my partner and, obviously, now I'm a bit worried about them.
"They are all fine and are not showing any symptoms, but you can't help but think about it and keep your distance once you know you've tested positive."
Those who tested positive will self-isolate for seven days.
The Ethiopian politician and academic paid tribute to the trio, along with others from the world of sport who have called for individuals to take responsibility for limiting the spread of the pandemic.
Ronaldo posted a message on Twitter in which he urged his followers to "follow the advice of the WHO", while Klopp told Liverpool supporters to "think about the vulnerable in our society and act where possible with compassion for them".
Pogba told his 39.7 million Instagram followers to "dab to beat coronavirus" - as part of advice to cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than hands - while he also shared WHO resources.
"Thank you Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool FC for your powerful message to the world," Ghebreyesus wrote on Twitter.
"Put people's health first, reduce risks, care for the vulnerable and compassion: this is the WHO way.
"We will win the fight against COVID-19 if we are working together.
"The WHO is grateful for the solidarity being shown by Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool FC, Alisson Becker, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, FIFA, Peter Schmeichel, Andrea Radrizzani, Romain Grosjean and others in the world of sport."
The Reds have been champions-in-waiting for some time, having taken 79 points from 29 games to open up a 25-point lead over Manchester City.
Yet the Premier League, like the vast majority of competitions across the world, has been halted due to restrictions designed to limit the spread of COVID-19.
It remains to be seen when, or even if, the Premier League will return as the hiatus has extended past the beginning of May already.
However, Mane insists there are bigger concerns given over 83,000 people have died after contracting coronavirus worldwide.
Asked if he felt like a champion already, Mane told talkSPORT: "I think not yet. I love my job and I love football, I want to win on the pitch.
"I want to win the games and I want to get the trophy, it's what I would love.
"But with this situation, whatever happens I will understand.
"It has been difficult for Liverpool, but it has been more difficult for many millions of people around the world. Some people have lost family members and that is the more complicated situation.
"But for myself, it's my dream and I want to win it this year.
"If that's not the case, I will accept. It's part of life. Hopefully we will win it next year."
Some - such as Manchester United's Luke Shaw - have suggested the Premier League should be voided if the season cannot resume.
However, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said earlier this week he sees "no way" in which Liverpool could be denied the title.
The Reds have not won a top-flight championship since 1989-90, prior to the inception of the Premier League.
