BREAKING: All EFL fixtures suspended for THREE WEEKS amid coronavirus crisis

The EFL called an emergency meeting on Friday morning at which it was 'unanimously agreed' to suspend the season until April 3 following further cases of players and managers contracting COVID-19.

Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi became the first Premier League player to test positive for coronavirus on Thursday evening, while Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is currently self-isolating after also testing positive for the virus.

Furthermore, players at AFC Bournemouth, Everton and Leicester are all in self-isolation after showing symptoms of the virus.

The Cobblers were due to head to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday but that will not go ahead as scheduled, neither will their fixtures against Carlisle, Cambridge and Oldham Athletic.

The season is due to resume on April 4, when Northampton go to leaders Crewe Alexandra, but the EFL are expected to review the situation closer to the time and another suspension could well be put in place.

An EFL statement read: "The FA, Premier League, EFL and Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until 3 April at the earliest.

"This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken due to the increasing numbers of Clubs taking steps to isolate their players and staff because of the COVID-19 virus.

"The postponements include all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures.

"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.

"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.

"A further update on these plans will be given post an EFL Board Meeting next week.

"This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the Government’s national efforts in tackling this outbreak."

Champions League and Europa League games have also been suspended.