Coronavirus is now present on every continent except Antarctica, and for the first time it has begun spreading rapidly outside China.

In big cities, where many people live and work, the epidemic is now a major cause of concern, and these cities face particular challenges in tackling it.

Here is a look at the kinds of steps cities around the world have taken.

Public transport is the easiest route for the virus to spread. The virus spreads mainly through saliva, phlegm and mucus. A study carried out during an influenza outbreak found that people who use public transport during flu season are six times more likely to catch a respiratory infection.

For these reasons, countries from South Korea to Italy and Iran have ordered extensive cleaning at train and bus stations.

Events that draw large crowds, such as sports grounds, are possible places for the virus to spread, and many people have already been infected at such places.

The Chinese Formula One Grand Prix in Shanghai has been postponed because of the epidemic, and the sixth Asian Champions League is also being delayed.

Source: BBC Bangla. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.