The new coronavirus has been on the minds of many recently. News regarding the virus has more and more people becoming very worried. Many protection measures are being taken around the country. As of now, soccer leagues in Edmonton and surrounding areas have decided to opt-out of shaking hands after games in order to protect from the novel coronavirus in Edmonton. The new coronavirus has three confirmed cases throughout Canada with one of which having been confirmed in B.C. Many Canadian have become increasingly concerned about catching the virus. In fact, so many people are taking precautions that face masks have been selling out in Vancouver and parts of Ontario. While a Canadian lab is working on a vaccine for the virus, it could take up to a full year. Canadians are now doing their part of help limit the spread. One of the recent methods involves Edmonton soccer leagues not shaking hands after their games. Since the virus can be spread through touch and interactions with those who are carrying it, the league has decided that it would be best to stop this practice for the time being. According to a press release posted online by the Edmonton Minor Soccer Association, players will no longer be shaking hands as of Monday, February 3, 2020. The association has stated that this is a proactive approach to stop the spread, should the virus come to the province. EMSA is taking a proactive approach to the #Coronavirus situation by implementing some special procedures for the remainder of the season. Please see the attached memo for the details! pic.twitter.com/4ZmFckAFvU— YEG Minor Soccer (@EMSAmain) January 31, 2020 They went on to further explain some of the symptoms, explaining that it can cause “mild illness, like the common cold, but other coronaviruses can cause severe illness such as pneumonia.” Instead of shaking hands, the players on each team will stand in front of each other and cheer or clap for the other team. They will then go to their respective dressing rooms without contact. According to CTV News, the St. Albert Soccer Association is also on board with this. Both associations have clarified that of any player experiences symptoms of the virus, they will be sent home immediately. CTV News also reported that the new coronavirus has already killed 170 people in China. Another 9,500 people have been diagnosed with it worldwide. Narcity has reached out to Alberta Health, the St. Albert Soccer Association, and the Edmonton Minor Soccer Association for comment and we will update this story when we receive a response.