March 16, 2020

Yesterday, the CDC updated its guidance with respect to mass gatherings.  The Guidance is reproduced here for your convenience.  Please continue to consult with your local, State, and federal public health informational resources which can be found, in part, below.

 Guidance as of 3/15/2020

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. 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 8 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 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.

In order to assist members with navigating this issue, below please find links to state and federal information resources.  In addition to these resources, we urge our Districts to continually review their own local public health agency's guidance for the most update recommendations.

Important Websites

Governor's Office - Executive Order N-25-20

CAL/OSHA - Guidance on Requirements to Protect Workers from Coronavirus

CDPH - Gathering Guidance

CDPH - COVID-19 Response Page

CDPH – COVID-19 Prevention Graphic

CDPH – COVID-19 Alert (Spanish)

CDC – Guidance for Business & Employers

CDC - Resources for First Responders and Law Enforcement 

CDC – Get Your Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events Ready

CDC – Main COVID-19 Page