Mexican soccer leagues suspended as coronavirus cases climb

The female and male versions of Liga MX and the men's second-tier Ascenso MX have suspended operations while the coronavirus sweeps through Mexico.

The men's top flight will go on hiatus after the 10th round of matches concludes with Club America entertaining Cruz Azul on Sunday evening. That game will be contested behind closed doors.

Liga MX provided antibacterial gel and ushered in other precautionary measures for Friday's fixtures, but supporters were shut out of venues the following day.

Mexico has been slower than other countries to act on the coronavirus' spread. One of the country's most important music festivals, Vive Latino, is hosting its second day in Mexico City on Sunday, with organizers telling The Associated Press that over 70,000 tickets had been sold for each day of the event.

Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has been criticized for repeatedly coming into close physical contact with citizens during the crisis. Xavier Tello, a healthcare consultant in Mexico City, told The Guardian's David Agren that the nation's efforts to ward off the coronavirus were slowly changing but the president remains in "total denial" and is setting a "dangerous" example with his behavior.

There are 43 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Mexico, according to Worldometers. However, medical experts have expressed concern over the country's lack of diagnostic testing.