The ECHL will cancel the remainder of its season and playoffs as a precautionary measure to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus, the league announced Saturday.

"The decision by the ECHL to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 season does not come lightly, as this is an emotional time for our players, coaches, member teams, fans, and staff," commissioner Ryan Crelin said. "As each passing day raises additional concerns for the safety of those in the ECHL community and as we take precautionary measures in conjunction with our local authorities across the continent to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it has become apparent that this is the prudent decision."

Salaries of players will be paid through Monday, and players will have insurance through June 30, according to The Athletic's Sara Civian.

The ECHL, which is a tier below the AHL, has teams that are affiliated to 25 different NHL clubs.

Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.