The guidelines do not extend to the day-to-day operations of businesses or schools, the CDC said, which are nonetheless shuttering across the country.
Sunday’s recommendations, while not enforceable by law, could regardless ensnare weddings, funerals, and family reunions. They will certainly contribute to the cancellation of more sporting events and concerts. And they come as individual cities and states enact new rules to shut down restaurants and bars, following the recommendations of public health officials. All the measures are meant to protect people from contracting COVID-19, the incredibly contagious disease caused by the novel coronavirus that’s sickened at least 1,629 and killed 41 in the U.S., according to official numbers from the CDC, and more than 150,000 globally.
“Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities,” the CDC said on its website. “Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals.”
