Trump Issues Strongest Virus Guidance Yet: 'It's Bad'

White House officially recommends avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people for 15 days
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 16, 2020 3:16 PM CDT
Trump: Avoid Gatherings of More Than 10 People
President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing with the coronavirus task force, in the Brady press briefing room at the White House, Monday, March 16, 2020, in Washington.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Trump issued what NBC News calls his "strongest coronavirus guidance yet" Monday afternoon, formally recommending that for the next 15 days all Americans regardless of age and health status:

  • avoid gatherings where 10 or more people are present
  • halt all discretionary travel
  • stop going to bars and restaurants, making social visits, or going on non-essential shopping trips
  • stay away from nursing homes and long-term care facilities
  • keep their children home from school

"It's bad, it's bad," Trump said, per Politico. "Each and every one of us has a critical role to play in stopping the spread and transmission of the virus. ... It’s important for the young and healthy people to understand that while they may experience mild symptoms, they can easily spread this virus and they will spread it indeed, putting countless others in harm's way." Anthony Fauci, one of his key health advisers, added that this move is an attempt to prepare for what's to come: "It isn’t an overreaction. It’s an action that’s commensurate with what's going on in reality." Trump also noted, however, per CNN, that he has no plans currently for a national curfew or forced quarantine. (More coronavirus stories.)

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