Trump Calls for No Gatherings of 10 or More People, Says Crisis Could Stretch to August

President Donald Trump briefed the nation Monday, March 16, on the United States’ response to the COVID-19 crisis. He acknowledged the serious nature of the situation and called for Americans to cease from gathering in groups of 10 or more.

The president said the U.S. could be heading for a recession. And, if Americans follow the guidelines laid out by the CDC, he says the crisis could end by July or August.

“We’ve made the decision to toughen the guidelines and blunt the infection now recommending all Americans work to engage in schooling from home, gathering in groups of no more than 10, avoid travel and eating and drinking in restaurants and public food courts,” he said.

The CDC’s guidelines include:

• Staying home from work if you feel sick
• Keeping your children home from school if they are sick
• Keeping the entire household at home if someone tests positive for COVID-19
• Staying home if you have a serious underlying health condition

Philip Rucker of the Washington Post tweeted that Trump said the government would back up airlines and that the Army Corps may help build hospitals.

Watch the briefing here.