Advice for Businesses in Dealing with the Expanding Coronavirus Events

California Prohibits Mass Gatherings to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

March 12, 2020

Paul Hastings Covid-19 Task Force

Late on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new policy by the California Department of Public Health to protect against the spread of COVID-19.1  The policy provides that large gatherings that include 250 people or more (e.g., concerts, conferences, sporting events) should be postponed or canceled.  Smaller gatherings may proceed but only where there is sufficient space for social distancing (i.e., six feet per person).  Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (e.g., age 60 and above, and those with heart disease, diabetes, lung disease or compromised immune systems) should be limited to no more than 10 people.  These limitations will apply throughout California “at least through the month of March.”

1 See California Department of Public Health, “Gathering Guidance,” available at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Gathering_Guidance_03.11.20.pdf