Newcastle head coach Steve Bruce has called for the Premier League season to be put on hold as the effects of the virus make themselves felt.
The Magpies are due to face Sheffield United a St James' Park on Saturday but with Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton and Leicester having all hit by Covid-19 and the Gunners' clash with Brighton already postponed, the picture remains uncertain.
Speaking at his scheduled pre-match press conference on Friday morning, Bruce said: 'To play behind closed doors is not the answer, in my opinion.
'For me, suspend it, shut it down and re-arrange it for another date when we're a bit more clear about the whole situation. But we'll see what happens.
'There's been no symptoms [from any Newcastle players or staff]. Touch wood. The doctor has been in contact with the other doctors [in the Premier League] I believe and we're awaiting this phone call [about tomorrow's game].
'Up until yesterday we were pretty convinced the game was going ahead. The welfare of everybody is key to all of this. The welfare of every individual is far more important than a football match. Like everybody else, we wish Mikel [Arteta] well and hope he recovers well.'