WARRINGTON Town and Rylands will be out of action for the foreseeable future.

Both the Northern Premier League and the North West Counties Football League have suspended fixtures until further notice amid the coronavirus outbreak.

It is unclear when – or even if – the league will resume.

Games were allowed to continue at the weekend, but Town's home match against Buxton and Rylands' trip to Congleton Town were both called off on Saturday morning amid concerns about Covid-19.

The NPL statement read: "The Northern Premier League has today decided, reluctantly, to suspend all fixtures until further notice in light of the escalating Covid-19 outbreak.

"The League would like to congratulate the players, officials, volunteers and fans of clubs able to stage games at the weekend and notes the excellent attendances at those fixtures.

"Whilst the primary responsibility of the League is to the financial sustainability of its member clubs, the number of clubs reporting players or officials in self-isolation has now reached a point at which continuing to play games would severely undermine the integrity of the competition.

"In consultation with the partners Eliteform, all NPL Football Academy fixtures have also been suspended until further notice.

"The NPL is well aware that clubs and fans need clarity around whether the 2019/20 season is to be suspended temporarily or permanently, and the full implications of either eventuality.

"The NPL will be working with the other Alliance Leagues and the Football Association, to assess the various options and to agree a way forward.

"As soon as we are able to, we will share that information with member clubs and their supporters."

The NWCFL said in their own statement: "Following the Government’s announcement this evening that all non-essential social contact should stop immediately due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the League Management Committee has agreed it has no alternative but to suspend all NWCFL fixtures until further notice with immediate effect.

"Obviously none of us know what will happen next but we will keep monitoring the situation and report back when we receive guidance from the FA and other authorities.

"We would like to wish all players, officials and supporters of our clubs and league well during this difficult time."