CDC recommends canceling, postponing events of 50 people or more for 8 weeks
The human coronavirus causes respiratory infections (colds), and gastroenteritis. Image made from a transmission electron microscopy view. Approximate viral diameter: 80 to 160 nm. (Photo by: Cavallini James/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Imag
TAMPA, Fla. - On Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that organizers cancel or postpone all events that consist of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks to stop the spread of COVID-19.
According to the CDC, large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of coronavirus in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities.
Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. But in a sign of the difficulty of striking the right balance, the CDC statement also said the recommendation does not apply to "the day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses."
Even before the warning, parts of the country already look like ghost towns, and others are about to follow as theme parks closed, beaches shooed away spring breakers and states and large cities ordered bars and restaurants shuttered.
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According to the CDC, events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing. When feasible, the CDC recommends that events be modified to be virtual.
This recommendation is made in an attempt to reduce the introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus.
This recommendation is not intended to supersede the advice of local public health officials.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
If you feel sick
The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.
LINK: Florida's COVID-19 website
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