It's a good point, but not one that is a 100% fair: Japan has a different culture when it comes to saying hello (bowing vs. taking people by the hand). Which is why I think Italy got hit so hard, they kiss each other one the cheeks, have several generations living in the same house as well as an old populace. Secondly, people in some parts of Asia, but especially in Japan, have been wearing face masks when they're sick for a long time already.

But like suckmycorona said, NYC is, and has been, a dirty shithole for a while.