Earlier on Monday, March 16, the White House held a press conference in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump along with Debbie Birx, the White House’s Coronavirus Response Coordinator, suggested new guidelines for Americans in regards to social distancing to help cease the spread of the virus.  

   Trump administrations advises to no longer meet in groups of more than 10 individuals at a time. The outcome of limiting the amount of people coming in contact with will help cease the quick spread of COVID-19.  

  “As we combat the virus each and every one of us has a critical role to play in stopping the spread and transmission of the virus,” President Trump said. 

  At the press conference, the president released the 15 Days to Slow the Spread initiative. This initiative encourages those that are feeling sick to stay home, to not send sick kids to school, for those that are 65 years of age or older to self-quarantine as well as those with underlying health conditions.  It also encourages those that are still working to find a way to work from home if they are feeling sick.  

  “It is important that young and healthy people to understand that while they may experience mild symptoms, they can easily spread this virus, putting others in harm’s way,” President Trump said. 

  CSU Bakersfield’s Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vernon Harper, is aware of the recent press conference has assured that CSUB faculty will be meeting later today in order to discuss if in person classes for students that attend CSUB will still be put in place for the rest of the week. 

  The 15 Days to Slow the Spread guideline is available for everyone to view on the White House’s website: whitehouse.gov.