COVID-19 has already spread over all continents except Antarctica.

With a new aspect being detected that the virus is spreading faster outside China where the virus was first discovered, public health authorities in all countries are focusing on preventing its spread in large cities.

Public transportation means have optimal environment for the virus transmission.

After analysing when colds are prevalent, a research group said people using public transportation means in the period of the outbreak of flu have six times higher probability of contracting acute respiratory infection at maximum.

To prevent it sterilization of the exposed surfaces of trains, buses and railway stations is going on in several countries and regions.

Events like sports games have high potential to spread diseases as they draw lots of people. For this reason events have been cancelled or postponed.

Shanghai in China postponed an international motor race.

In Europe rugby and football matches to be played by Italian teams have been put off.

As to the Tokyo Olympic Games slated to open in late July, the International Olympic Committee does not rule out the cancellation of the Games in case the situation worsens.

Saudi Arabia banned the entry of foreign pilgrims to Mecca and Medina, the holiest cities in Islam.

Schools and universities shut down all at once in Japan, Thailand, Iran, Iraq and other countries. Parents who travelled with their children to the regions and countries, which have been badly affected by COVID-19, including south Korea, Iran, China, Southeast Asia and northern Italy, are recommended to be isolated at home with their children and restrain them from going to school.

All classes have been cancelled to ensure safety of students at some schools in Britain because of those who travelled to Italy.

COVID-19 has also adverse effects on businesses.

Some American businesses declared a “public health emergency state” and demand employees do not shake hands with visitors to the companies.

A meeting for cyber security slated for March in San Francisco has been cancelled.

It is important to raise public awareness to prevent the spread of COVID-19, say health–related officials.

It includes informing the public of the importance of strict hand washing.

Hospitals concentrate on relieving the symptoms of patients as there are no vaccines or effective remedies against COVID-19.

In case the number of confirmed patients rapidly increases, hospitals are expected to delay other affairs and increase phone consultation related to the epidemic.