MLS extends suspension until May 10 after U.S. recommendation

Major League Soccer, which previously suspended play for 30 days due to the coronavirus pandemic, has extended its stoppage to May 10 in compliance with a recent United States recommendation to limit mass gatherings.

"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," the league said in a statement Thursday. "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."

MLS was the second major league in North America to postpone matches last week. The NBA called off games a day earlier after one of its players tested positive for COVID-19.

The CDC has reported 97 deaths and 7,038 cases related to the infectious disease in the United States. A further 770 cases have been recorded in Canada.

The two countries agreed to temporarily close the U.S.-Canada border to non-essential travel Wednesday in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. It's unclear how long these measures will last.