TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Gov. Ron DeSantis is recommending that events expected to draw large crowds should be postponed amid coronavirus concerns.
Thursday, DeSantis held a press conference at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
During the press conference, DeSantis addressed the coronavirus spread in Florida and made several recommendations regarding "social distancing" to prevent the spread of the disease.
As part of his recommendation, DeSantis said he "recommends" that all events involving large gatherings of crowds be canceled in the interest of preventing potential exposure.
"I am recommending local municipalities and private entities to strongly consider limiting or postponing mass gatherings in the state of Florida," the governor said. "This is an opportunity, our health officials believe, where some of these large-scale events can be postponed and do it later."
According to CDC, mass gatherings can be 1000 people or more at a specific location for a specific purpose. Practically speaking, a mass gathering can be thought of as any assembly of people large enough to strain local resources.https://t.co/XHkQb6NXE6
— Helen Aguirre Ferré (@helenaguirrefer) March 12, 2020
While he acknowledged he didn't have the authority to force cancellation of events, DeSantis stressed the move would be in the best interest of Floridians.
If events do go on, DeSantis encourages organizers to use common sense hygiene and take any extra precautions that you can.
CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
You can watch the press conference below:
