For example: MD Anderson Cancer Center screening patients and visitors because cancer patients are uniquely vulnerable to Wuhan virus (and a whole lot of other things...) because they're immune system compromised is certainly a reasonable precaution. Pearl Jam cancelling a concert (to me..) is a response based out of fear.
I say this as someone who was informed yesterday the entire company of over 18,000 individuals spread out over 3 continents is working from home until April 1st.
A complete over-reaction on my employers part IMO. I freaking hate it. Getting anything done already this morning is proving to be an exercise in futility.
It probably has less to do with HR than some beancounter figuring up how much it would cost for X% of you to be in the ICU for 2 or 3 weeks and on medical leave for another month or two.
Million dollar ICU bills scare everyone...