Coronavirus has dominated the news this past week, as the first cases of the disease have been confirmed in the UK.

With the disease originating from China, it is understandable why sports authorities in Shanghai have recommended the suspension of all sporting events, due to the virus.

The Shanghai Grand Prix is currently scheduled for 19th April however, there is a big chance this date could be pushed back.

This is to be discussed by Formula 1, so we should find out soon if this is to happen.

They have been advised by The Shanghai Sports General Association to suspend this event until the threat from the virus has passed.

Although Formula 1, haven’t made any comment on the matter yet, there is much belief within the sport, that the Chinese Grand Prix will be at least postponed.

There is, however, a problem with this. With there already being a record-breaking 22-race programme this season, managing to fit a new date into the calendar won’t be easy.

There have also been some doubts towards the inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix because of the virus.

This race is currently scheduled for April 5th in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, which is around 100 miles away from the Chinese border.

The Chinese Health Authorities have now ordered an estimated 18 million people in the east of China to stay at home as a requirement, in order to step up efforts to bring the disease to a cease.

At the epicentre of the virus, Wuhan, 11 large public venues have been transformed into makeshift hospitals to provide around 10,000 additional beds for the sick.

However, despite increased efforts to stop the virus, the number of Coronavirus cases in China leapt up by 4,000, bringing the total to more than 24,300, with 65 more deaths bringing the death count to 490.

The World Health Organisation has declared a global health emergency, because of the outbreak.

There have been several sporting events cancelled in China already due to the virus, including, the World Athletics Indoor Championships, which was scheduled to take place in Nanjing between 13th and 15th March.

The Formula E race, which was scheduled for the following weekend, has also been cancelled.

Olympic organisers have also stated their worries over the spread of Coronavirus and the potential impact it could have on the Tokyo Games this summer.