Commercial interest should not be allowed to override efforts to deal with the pandemic: Sports and celebrations are the antithesis of social distancing, far from the optimum degree of remoteness required between individuals and between social groups in the time of a pandemic. As COVID-19 takes hold, spreading first from China to other parts of Asia,and then to Europe and the Americas, crowds and spectacle pose a real threat to public health and well - being. Runners sprinting full tilt despite over worked limbs and bowlers stretching every muscle are all part of sporting lore that feeds the toughness myth of athietes. Yet, whatever the immunity innate to sports persons. It offers no guaranteed protection against a malevolent virus. But what is at stake now goes beyond sport and festivities. Fans trooping into massive stadiums, cheering and swapping high fives, devotees gathering at places of worship, lost to the world in their prayers, shoppers and movie goers at mall, travellers passing through airports and railway stations. al are at risk in this situation.