California public health officials said Wednesday night that public gatherings of more than 250 people should be canceled or postponed to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
It's a major step in this fast-moving public health crisis, one that Gov. Gavin Newsom said is necessary to save lives.
“Changing our actions for a short period of time will save the life of one or more people you know. That’s the choice before us. Each of us has extraordinary power to slow the spread of this disease. Not holding that concert or community event can have cascading effects — saving dozens of lives and preserving critical health care resources that your family may need a month from now. The people in our lives who are most at risk – seniors and those with underlying health conditions -- are depending on all of us to make the right choice.”
Public health officials says smaller gatherings can continue if it's possible for attendees to have 6 feet of space from each other.
You can read the full guidance here.
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