Next couple of weeks important, be cautious: Saina on COVID-19 outbreak

India ace shuttler Saina Nehwal on Monday stressed the importance of taking necessary precautions in the next two weeks to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has created a global upheaval. "Let's be cautious and stay at home. These next couple of weeks are an important phase for India. All of us need to learn from what the other countries have experienced and taken the necessary precautions ASAP," Saina wrote on her twitter handle.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China, has so far killed over 6000 people and infected 1,60,000 globally. Former world no 1 Kidambi Srikanth also took to Twitter, urging people to help each other instead of panicking.

"In this tough time of #Covid_19 pandemic, let's make sure we don't panic and try our best to help each other. Let's maintain hygiene and be a responsible citizen!" he wrote. More than 100 people have so far tested positive in India apart from two deaths.

The disease has led to either cancellation or postponement of all sports events the world over in the Olympic year. In India, the shooting World Cup and Indian Open Golf were postponed, while badminton's India Open was also deferred after Badminton World Federation (BWF) suspended all World Tour and sanctioned events.