(WWJ) High school sports in Michigan are on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association announced Thursday that MHSAA winter tournaments are suspended "effective immediately and indefinitely."

The ice hockey, girls gymnastics and Lower Peninsula boys swimming and diving finals had been scheduled for this weekend, while the girls and boys basketball tournaments were midway through earlier rounds of their playoff progressions. Bowling, cheer, skiing were among other sports expected to be affected.

This comes after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged residents to practice social distancing, and avoid gatherings of 100 or more people.

Whitmer announced Thursday night that all K-12 schools in the state of Michigan will be closed from Monday, March 16 until Sunday, April 5. Schools are scheduled to reopen Monday, April 5.

“Based on the events of the last 48 hours and with things changing by the minute, we believe we have no choice but to suspend our winter tournaments immediately,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said, in a statement. “This is a suspension until we have a better handle on the situation. The health and welfare of everyone involved is our number one priority.”

No timetable has been determined for possible rescheduling for tournaments. Uyl added that more information and updates will be forthcoming over the next few days.

Concerning spring sports, the MHSAA said it continues to receive numerous questions due to COVID-19 concerns. "The decisions to conduct practices and hold competitions for spring sports are being made at the local school level, by local administration," the MHSAA said.

Troy High School and Troy Athens said Thursday are among those schools that have already decided to put spring sports on pause for now.

Parents should contact their school’s athletic director for updates.

The Big Ten Conference announced Thursday that it will be canceling the remainder of the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, effective immediately. The NBA, NHL and MBA — have all suspended game play due to the coronavirus.