New York state has been taking the coronavirus concerns serious in recent weeks. Now, it appears the nation, universities and the sports world is taking extreme measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Late Wednesday, the NCAA said the March Madness tournament will go on — without fans. One game in the National Basketball Association was taking the same tack while other leagues keep watch.

On the education front, state Gov. Andrew Cuomo has requested that State University of New York campuses and City university schools consider going to a distance-learning model. Private universities are taking similar steps.

Closer to home in Chautauqua County two people are in a precautionary quarantine. In the meantime, influenza remains a greater threat with 681 confirmed cases locally.

The best prevention is awareness. “If you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and have traveled to an affected area listed on the CDC website (currently: China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea) or were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the 14 days before you began to feel sick, seek medical care,” notes the Chautauqua County Health Department. “Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.”