CDC says gatherings of 50 people or more should be scrapped for 8 weeks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning against gatherings of 50 people or more for the next eight weeks.

This announcement comes as Disney World is about to close all four of its theme parks until April 1.

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, according to the CDC statement

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.

Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next eight weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.

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, organizers could modify events to be virtual.

This recommendation does not apply to the day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses. 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 CDC stated.

The specific impact on this recommendation when Disney World and Disneyland might reopen is not known yet. At this point, Disney has stated it was closing for two weeks, but could easily extend the closure.

While the theme parks are closed, the resorts and Disney Springs remain open.