Sunderland have confirmed another four positive Covid tests, and have announced that they will shut their Academy of Light training base and postpone their next three games as a result.
That means the Black Cats' matches at Shrewsbury Town on Saturday, Tuesday's home game against Blackpool, and the Boxing Day match against League One leaders Hull City at the Stadium of Light, have all been called off.
And the Academy of Light will not reopen to allow training to resume until Sunday, December 27.
Sunderland were without eight first-teamers for last night's home game against AFC Wimbledon after one player tested positive, and seven others went into self-isolation.
Head coach Lee Johnson wanted to call the game off but the EFL could not offer any clarity around what potential penalties the club could suffer if they did postpone the match, and in those circumstances Sunderland opted to play.
But a number of players and staff members have since undergone tests, with four of those coming back positive.
And the club today released a statement saying: "Sunderland AFC has today informed the EFL that it will not be able to play its next three Sky Bet League One fixtures following an outbreak of Covid-19 at the Academy of Light.
"After one senior player tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, selected players and staff undertook additional testing and a further four cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed.
"The individuals that have tested positive – and those that have come into close contact with them – are now observing a period of self-isolation at home.
"Following extensive dialogue and clear guidance from local authorities, including Public Health England, SAFC has taken the decision to close the Academy of Light with immediate effect for a 10-day period in order to protect its players and staff and to prevent the further spread of the virus."
Chief executive officer James Rodwell said: "It is with a heavy heart that I have informed the EFL that we are unable to play our next three league fixtures.
"The welfare of our players, staff and opponents remains the number one priority and following detailed conversations with the relevant authorities, we have also taken the responsible decision to close the Academy of Light for a ten day period.
"On behalf of everyone at the club, I wish all of those affected a swift and complete recovery."
Sunderland are scheduled to return to training on December 27, ahead of their League One game at Accrington Stanley on Tuesday, December 29.
