California governor calls for cancellations of large events

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Wednesday called for large events in the state to be postponed amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Newsom and other state health officials said Californians should call off events of 250 people or more and that people should stand at least six feet apart at smaller gatherings, the Sacramento Bee reported.

The governor called for the cancellation of nonessential events such as concerts and sporting events.

“Each of us has extraordinary power to slow the spread of this disease,” he said in a statement. “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.”

California has seen 177 confirmed cases of the virus thus far, but testing across the Golden State has been limited.

The governor’s office has also announced new guidance for large event spaces such as stadiums and conference rooms. Newsom acknowledged the possible harm to small businesses from event cancellations and promised unspecified relief, the newspaper reported.

Newsom advised employees who are unable to work due to the virus to research whether they are eligible for existing California benefits providing for paid family leave, sick leave, workers compensation or disability insurance. As recently as Monday, Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) announced she will self-quarantine after interacting with a person who tested positive for the virus.

As of Thursday morning, there were more than 1,300 confirmed cases of the virus in the U.S. with 38 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.