EPL side Newcastle United have introduced a training-ground handshake ban in an attempt to guard against the spread of the coronavirus.

The virus has since spread throughout the world and is impacting other football leagues. In Italy, where hundreds of cases were reported last weekend, several Serie A clubs have closed the stadiums to fans for their matches.

We’ll likely see many clubs and league implement cautious measures to try and halt the spread of this virus.

The Chronicle reported that Newcastle have taken some precautions on the advice of club doctor Paul Catterson.

“There is a ritual here where everybody shakes hand. We have stopped that. We have a superb doctor here, and he advised that.

“Let’s hope we can stop it in this country. If that is how it has to be, so be it. In confined areas, you have to be careful.

“We are mindful of it.”