MLS extends season suspension in accordance with CDC guidance on COVID-19

Major League Soccer announced on Thursday that it was extending the suspension of all matches, with a target return date of May 10. The extension was made in accordance with Sunday's guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to cancel all mass gatherings of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks. The league said it remains intent on completing the full 2020 season schedule.

Below is the full statement from MLS:

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance to postpone events involving more than 50 people over the next eight weeks, Major League Soccer has extended the postponement of its matches during this period of time. MLS remains focused on playing the entire 2020 season and is evaluating all options, including pushing back the end of the season and playing MLS Cup in December, as the league did prior to the 2019 season. The league is also identifying other available dates. Throughout this process, MLS will continue to prioritize the safety of our fans, players, employees and partners and to coordinate with federal and local public health authorities as well as other sporting organizations.

MLS announced a week ago that it was suspending play for 30 days in order to assess the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) with its medical task force and public health officials.

There have been more than 7,000 confirmed cases across all 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico and 97 deaths, according to the CDC's latest reporting from noon Wednesday. In Canada, there have been 690 confirmed cases of the virus, according to Public Health Canada.