WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Trump administration’s coronavirus task force announced strict new guidelines in an effort to restrict the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.
President Donald Trump said Monday that his administration is recommending the following:
· Schooling from home, if possible
· Avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people
· Avoiding discretional travel, shopping trips and social visits
· And, avoiding bars, restaurants and food courts
The White House is also recommending that older people and those with underlying health conditions “stay home and away from other people” as it continues to step up efforts to halt the pandemic.
These guidelines are part of a campaign that the administration is calling, “15 days to slow the spread.”
The White House is also advising governors in 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.
President Trump said that it could be until July or August before things go back to normal, but Dr. Anthony Fauci says these guidelines will be in effect for about the next 15 days. Fauci clarified that when Trump was speaking about July or August, it was regarding how long the virus will be present in the U.S. in a major way.
Additonally, the administration is alleging that a foreign disinformation campaign is underway aiming to stoke fear amid the coronavirus pandemic. Three U.S. officials said Monday that federal officials began confronting what they said was a deliberate effort by a foreign entity to sow fear of a nationwide quarantine.
The three U.S. officials did not name the foreign entity they believe to be responsible. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter
Also on Monday, national security officials said there had been a “cyber incident” involving the computer networks of the Department of Health and Human Services, but the networks were operating normally.
