White House encourages people to stay home, avoid gatherings of more than 10

The White House is recommending that older people in the US and those with underlying health conditions “stay home and away from other people,” as it continues to step up efforts to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The White House is laying out the steps that it is encouraging Americans to take, as part of a campaign that it is calling, “15 days to slow the spread.”

Officials recommend that large swaths of the population isolate themselves and everyone avoid social gatherings or groups of more than 10 people.

They also want Americans to work from home if possible, avoid eating or drinking in bars and restaurants, and “avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.”

The White House is also advising governors in US states with evidence of community transmission to close schools, and says that states with evidence of community spread should close restaurants, bars, gyms, and other venues where people gather.

— AP