Update: California Gov. Newsom is also ordering all bars/nightclubs/etc closed as well, although it doesn’t sound like sit-down restaurants are included (yet).
As more & more venues and events are delayed or cancelled outright and more states close their schools (Vermont is the latest to do so statewide), you'd think that the public would learn to take a hint and #StayTheFHome.
New studies in several countries and a large coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts bring into question reassuring assertions by US officials about the way the novel virus spreads.
These officials have emphasized that the virus is spread mainly by people who are already showing symptoms, such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing. If that's true, it's good news, since people who are obviously ill can be identified and isolated, making it easier to control an outbreak.
But it appears that a Massachusetts coronavirus cluster with at least 82 cases was started by people who were not yet showing symptoms, and more than half a dozen studies have shown that people without symptoms are causing substantial amounts of infection.
...Several experts interviewed by CNN said while it's unclear exactly what percentage of the transmission in the outbreak is fueled by people who are obviously sick versus those who have no symptoms or very mild symptoms, it's become clear that transmission by people who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic is responsible for more transmission than previously thought.
Unfortunately, you'd be wrong. Via FOX32 Chicago:
Chicago bars packed with St. Patrick's revelers in spite of coronavirus
Chicago bars were packed Saturday afternoon into the evening as revelers celebrated St. Patrick's Day a few days early and ignored warnings about the coronavirus pandemic.
"If you are young and healthy, listen up. We need you to follow social distancing guidelines too. You can have the unintended tragic effect of spreading COVID-19 to others who may be more vulnerable," said Gov. JB Pritzker, noting with exasperation that he saw a lot of people out and about on Saturday afternoon in Chicago.
The governor and other Illinois officials have been encouraging people to stay home and practice social distancing when they have to go out. "Social distancing" generally means staying at least six feet from other people and not dawdling anywhere you don't need to be.
The city canceled the annual dyeing of the Chicago River and St. Patrick's Day parades were also put on hold in order to discourage people from coming out and partying. However, the crowds of mostly young adults seemed not to care about the risk of contracting coronavirus or spreading it to others who are more at risk of a serious or fatal outcome.
"You know, we're trying not to think about it and just have fun regardless," Lauren Anthony told Fox 32 News as she was out barhopping.
Well, Lauren Anthony may be a fucking idiot, but the government is responsible for not only her health but that of her parents and grandparents as well, so this was the next inevitable step:
Kudos to (Democratic) Governor Pritzker of Illinois and (Republican) Governor DeWine of Ohio. This is going to be devastating to small businesses statewide but it's the right thing to do under the circumstances.
Just like with the schools, don't be surprised if other states also follow suit on this order over the next few days.
UPDATE: Sure enough, there goes California (bars, anyway):
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday significantly ramped up California’s response to the coronavirus, calling for the closure of all bars, nightclubs, wineries and brewpubs, and urging people 65 and older and those with chronic health conditions to stay indoors in an effort to slow the virus’ spread.
The governor also called on much greater social distancing measures for restaurants.
“We recognize that social isolation for millions of Californians is anxiety inducing but we recognize what all the science bears out and .. we need to meet this moment head-on and lean in,” Newsom said.
UPDATE: Add Massachusetts and Washington State:
In addition, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has followed suit, although only in certain counties so far:
Again, I'm sure this list wil grow longer over the next day or so, especially with St. Patrick's Day coming up on Tuesday…
UPDATE 8:30am Monday: And sure enough…
Also: New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas (yes, including the casinos):
NOTE: Since June 2019, I’ve been contracted to do occasional healthcare data analysis & advocacy for the Center for American Progress.