The NBA has suspended play after a Utah Jazz player preliminarily tested positive for the new coronavirus, the league said according to AFP.

The test result was reported shortly before Utah's game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City was to begin, and that game was abruptly postponed.

The league said the affected player was not at the arena and was being treated by health officials.

The Jazz issued a statement saying that the affected player had flu-like symptoms but initially tested negative for influenza and a respiratory infection.

The decision was made to test again for COVID-19. The player tested positive and is being treated by health officials in Oklahoma City.