China halts restart of all sporting events amid coronavirus outbreak

China has ordered all major sporting events to remain suspended as the country faces a second wave of coronavirus cases from abroad.

In the latest directive, the country's National Sports Bureau said all major sporting events, including basketball and football, will not resume until further notice.

"In the meantime, please continue to direct the public to maintain a healthy lifestyle and organise online sporting activities. The National Sports Bureau will update according to the developing virus situation," the statement added.

The Chinese Super League football season was indefinitely postponed in January, while the Chinese Basketball Association league was also suspended.

Globally, there are more than 860,000 infections and more than 42,000 deaths.