The Premier League has confirmed that fair-play handshakes will not take place between players and match officials from this weekend due to the coronavirus.
The UK announced its first death today and now 115 cases have been confirmed on these shores.
The Premier League have always been in touch with the UK Government in regards to advice over the coronavirus and have now taken this step.
A statement read: "The Premier League fair-play handshake will not take place between players and match officials from this weekend until further notice based on medical advice.
"Coronavirus is spread via droplets from the nose and mouth and can be transmitted onto the hands and and passed on via a handshake.
"Clubs and Match Officials will still perform the rest of the traditional walk-out protocol ahead of each fixture. On entering the field of play, the two teams will continue to line up, accompanied by the Premier League music, then players from the home team will walk past their opposition without shaking their hands."
The death total worldwide has risen above 3,200 after it originated in China.
Italy has been worst hit in Europe, where deaths recently jumped from 28 to 107.
The UK's first death was an elderly person, who had underlying health conditions and was therefore at particular risk, and died after they were admitted to a hospital in Berkshire.
