The 2019–20 season was suspended on 13 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, with Newport 15th in League Two. The pandemic also meant a planned relaying of the pitch at Rodney Parade was postponed. The club furloughed the players, management team and most staff to "protect the long-term financial viability" of the club. On 1 June 2020 the club's managerial consultant of three years, Lennie Lawrence, moved to the same role at Stevenage The League Two season was formally terminated on 9 June 2020. Points per game was subsequently adopted to determine the final League Two table with Newport County rising one place to 14th in the league. Club chairman Gavin Foxall stated that they expected to lose 40% of their income as a consequence of continued COVID-19 constraints. On 15 June 2020 the club lost its captain and the 2017 'Great Escape' goalscorer Mark O'Brien to early retirement, after he was found to require further heart surgery.