Coronavirus: President Donald Trump advises home schooling, avoiding public eateries and gatherings of 10 or more as virus spreads, threatens economy

As the number of COVID-19 infections ramp up throughout the country, President Donald Trump on Monday urged Americans to home school their children and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people over the next two weeks to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

The Trump administration’s coronavirus task force, headed by Vice President Mike Pence, also urged people to avoid eating in bars, restaurants and public food courts. The guidelines do not amount to a national quarantine or lockdown, Trump noted.

“If everyone makes these critical changes and sacrifices now, we will rally together against the virus,” Trump told reporters in the White House Monday.

Trump noted that experts have said the country may not return to normal daily life until July or August.

“We now need to appeal to every single American so they can have their role in stopping the spread of this virus,” said Deborah L. Birx of the task force. Birx noted sick Americans and children should remain home, and that people should avoid gatherings of more than 10 people even in their own homes.

The guidelines include:

Listen and follow directions of state and local authorities

If you feel sick, stay home; do not go to work and contact your medical provider

If your children are sick, keep them at home and contact your medical provider

If someone in your household has tested positive, keep the entire household at home

If you are an older person with a serious underlying health condition, stay home and away from other people

Even if you are young or otherwise healthy, it is critical that you work from home; avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people; avoid eating or drinking in public eateries and use drive-thru or delivery options instead; avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits; do not visit nursing homes or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance; practice good hygiene by washing hands and avoid touching your face.

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