Sao Paulo state stops professional sports as COVID-19 rages

Doria said that activities that produce large gatherings need to stop before the state's health system collapses. More than 87% of intensive care unit beds in the state are taken by patients of the virus, a record number. 

On Tuesday, a record 517 deaths attributed to the disease were registered in the state. 

Doria said the measure does not impact national and international competitions being played in Sao Paulo, such as the Copa Libertadores. 

Earlier Thursday, Sao Paulo's soccer body argued that other leagues around the world have continued playing under protocols regardless of the state of the pandemic. But doubts about Sao Paulo's soccer protocols came about after almost 20 players and staffers at Corinthians contracted the virus this month. 

Sao Paulo-based clubs have a meeting later Thursday to discuss whether matches should be played in other states. 

More than 270,000 people have died with COVID-19 in Brazil.