Coronavirus: Contra Costa County Bans 100-Person Gatherings

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Gatherings of 100 or more people will be banned in Contra Costa County in an attempt to halt the spread of the coronavirus, county officials will announce Saturday afternoon.

The order, issued by Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano, will apply to public and private gatherings, according to a county news release. Health officials will make the announcement at a news conference in Martinez at 1 p.m. Saturday.

"This Order is based on evidence of increasing transmission of COVID-19 within Contra Costa County," the order reads. "The age, condition and health of a significant portion of the population of Contra Costa County places it at risk for serious health complications, including death, from COVID-19.

Earlier this week, the county recommended that groups cancel gatherings of 50 or more people. Saturday's order, however, is mandatory, punishable by "fine or imprisonment," according to the text.

The county had 25 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Friday, according to health officials.

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