The EFL have confirmed they are in ‘close contact’ with the Government amid fears that the outbreak could impact upcoming fixtures.

Fears are growing that the sporting calendar will be severely disrupted by the outbreak as the government attempts to stop the spread of the disease.

Although neither the EFL or the government have given an indication that upcoming fixtures are in immediate danger of postponement – the Government and the EFL remain in discussion about the upcoming games.

An EFL spokesman told the Birmingham Mail: “The EFL remains in close contact with the Government regarding the ongoing concerns posed by the coronavirus.

“We will continue that dialogue, alongside monitoring the advice issued by the relevant authorities, ensuring clubs are updated with any developments.”

Yesterday, the Berkshire Healthcare Trust confirmed that a patient at the Royal Berkshire Hospital who had been diagnosed with the virus became the first patient in the UK to pass away having caught the virus.

Elsewhere in Europe - all sporting events in Italy, including every Serie A fixture and England’s Six Nations match with Italy, will be played behind closed doors for the next month as the Government tries to contain the virus.

An Italian government statement reads: “"Sports events and competitions of all kinds and disciplines, held in every place, both public and private, are suspended; however it is permitted to carry out the aforementioned events and competitions behind closed doors, or outdoors without the presence of the public.”

The Chinese Grand Prix, which was scheduled to take place between April 17 – 19, has also been postponed as a result of the outbreak.