Newcastle United Women's FA Women's National League Division One North campaign has been suspended with immediate effect following the government's latest advice to bring the coronavirus outbreak under control.
The Lady Magpies had been due to travel to neighbours Chester le Street on Tuesday night after the FAWNL initially decided to allow fixtures to continue despite the Premier League, FA Women's Super League, EFL and most other leagues in the country suspending play on Friday morning.
In a statement released at the end of last week, they pledged to actively monitor the situation and remain in regular communication with the FA and its member clubs, adding that the welfare of everyone involved in the league was of the paramount importance.
And, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined new advice to help tackle the pandemic on Monday evening, the FAWNL promptly released a new statement which read: "Following updated developments with Covid-19, the FA Women's National League has taken the decision to suspend all league matches with immediate effect.
"This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken following government advice to avoid all non-essential contact and travel. The FAWNL will continue to liaise with the FA and wider women's football to reassess this position on an ongoing basis.
"The league management committee consider the welfare of everyone involved in the FAWNL as paramount to the decision made and encourage all clubs to follow the the stringent advice as set out by the government.
"The league management committee thanks all clubs for their co-operation and adaptability particularly over the last few days and hopes that clubs, players, family, supporters and friends keep safe, well and supported over the next few weeks."
The government has advised the public to follow the latest NHS guidelines, which can be found at nhs.uk/coronavirus.
Anyone who suspects they may have symptoms consistent with Covid-19 should use the NHS's online 111 service at 111.nhs.uk.
Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC