CLINTON — The Mississippi High School Activities Association announced Friday that it has extended its suspension of athletics and activities until April 17 because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement came after Gov. Tate Reeves mandated that all public schools remain closed through at least April 17 to help curb the spread of the virus.

The MHSAA had previously suspended competition, practice and workouts through March 29, but pushed that back. When schools are forced to close for things such as storms, extracurricular activities are often canceled or postponed.

The new date would likely wipe out most of the regular season for the spring sports of baseball, softball, golf, tennis and track and field. The MHSAA, however, has not yet canceled its playoffs or championship events. The postseason for baseball and softball is scheduled to begin the week of April 27.

“This is an rapidly evolving situation which our MHSAA office continues to monitor,” MHSAA Executive Director Don Hinton said in a statement. “We are in touch with state government officials, our MHSAA Executive Committee made up of school administrators from around the state as well as our MHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory committee. Per MHSAA policy, there will be no competition or practice in activities or athletics while our member schools are closed. We will continue to share updates as soon as possible.”