RIO DE JANEIRO, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Reigning Brazilian and South American champions Flamengo have begun a three-week paid holiday because of the coronavirus outbreak, the Rio de Janeiro club said on Friday.

The announcement came after the national clubs' commission, which represents Brazil's professional teams, recommended that footballers and staff go on leave until at least April 20.

A worsening of the pandemic could see the holiday period extended by 10 days, the commission said.

Flamengo have not played since their 2-1 home victory over Portuguesa in the Rio de Janeiro state championship on March 15. Rio football federation officials have said the competition will remain suspended April 30 at the earliest.

All of Brazil's national competitions and South America's continental tournaments - the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana - have been postponed indefinitely.

Brazil's health ministry has reported 3,417 confirmed coronavirus cases and 92 deaths. Enditem

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