There is currently "no rationale" for cancelling sports events in the UK due to coronavirus concerns, according to the Government.
A meeting was held in London today between sporting authorities, broadcasters and government representatives to discuss the situation.
Everton and Liverpool are set to meet in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Monday 16th March.
National media reports in recent days have indicated there is a "growing expectation" Premier League matches could be held in empty stadiums within weeks.
And postponements and cancellations of sporting fixtures are already taking place in several European countries.
But a spokesperson for the department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which hosted the meeting today, said: "Senior government officials chaired a constructive meeting of sports and broadcast partners, as part of sensible contingency planning in relation to Covid-19.
"This included a discussion of how staging sporting events behind closed doors could work in practice, should the situation change and become necessary.
"However based upon the current scientific advice from the Government's medical experts there is no rationale to close or cancel sporting events as things stand.
"We will remain in regular dialogue with sports governing bodies and broadcasters, ensuring they are in receipt of the most up to date guidance from the health authorities."
PA Sport reported that no ministers or clinicians were in attendance at the meeting.
And the meeting is understood to have considered what the possible knock-on effects of matches being played behind closed doors might be, such as increased numbers going to pubs to watch games on television and supporters gathering outside stadiums if not allowed inside.
Earlier today culture secretary Oliver Dowden told BBC Radio 5 Live: "At this stage we're not in the territory of cancelling or postponing events."
He added: "I was at Twickenham [for England v Wales] with the Prime Minister [on Saturday].
"There was a huge crowd of people there. There is no reason why people should not be going to those events.
"It is very premature to be talking about things like that."
Following an emergency Cobra meeting also held today, it was confirmed the UK will remain in the "containment" phase of its response to the coronavirus spread.
The number of identified cases of the disease, which can cause severe lung issues, has now passed 300 in the UK.
NHS England confirmed this afternoon that a fifth patient in the UK has died after testing positive for coronavirus.
Meanwhile, in Italy, it was announced this afternoon that sporting activity at all levels has been suspended until April 3 at the earliest.
According to PA Sport, that includes all matches in the Italian football top flight Serie A.
But it does not cover clubs from Italy or national teams competing in international competitions such as the Champions League.
And in France, Paris St Germain announced today that their Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund this week will be played behind closed doors.
Liverpool are now just six points away from claiming the Premier League crown.
There is the possibility of them clinching the title at Anfield against Crystal Palace on March 21st - or even Goodison Park in seven days' time depending on Manchester City's results this week.