New CDC Guidance Says Older Adults Should 'Stay at Home as Much as Possible' Due to Coronavirus

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions to "stay at home as much as possible" during the novel coronavrius outbreak in the United States, reports CNN . The CDC noted that early data suggests older people are twice as likely to become seriously ill from the virus, while a Trump administration official said the Department of Health and Human Services "is in the process of doing targeted outreach to the senior community and those that have serious underlying health conditions." Two top infectious disease experts also are advising people over 60 and those with underlying health problems to avoid activities involving large crowds — including air travel, going to cinemas, attending family events and religious services, and shopping at crowded malls. Vanderbilt University Professor William Schaffner and former state epidemiologist for Minnesota Michael Osterholm said this advice is flexible for certain events. "Be thoughtful every time you contemplate getting together with a crowd or group," Schaffner suggested.