KNOXVILLE — The CDC issued new guidelines March 15 regarding measurements that should be taken during the coronavirus pandemic.
New measurements include precautions surrounding mass gatherings.
Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals.
Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.
Dr. Kathleen C. Brown of the University of Tennessee’s College of Education, Health and Human Sciences spent eight years working for the Knox County Health Department, initially as the regional epidemiologist, and then as the Director of Community Assessment and Health Promotion.
Dr. Brown discussed the coronavirus pandemic with Vols Wire and the uncertainty with COVID-19.
“It is impossible to predict anything right now,” she said of the coronavirus pandemic. “The degree of disruption is also unpredictable. I think everyone hopes we will return to whatever the new normal will be by June, but again, as we are in the early stages of the illness here much is still unknown.
“The hope is that if everyone complies with the recommendations for social distancing as much as possible, given that people still have to work (we need stores open, trash picked-up, healthcare workers on duty, law enforcement in place, etc.), we may reduce the acute impact i.e. the spike in the epidemiological curve. This will serve to reduce the impact on systems that will get stressed and overwhelmed.”
Tennessee spring football
Part of the affected by the coronavirus pandemic is UT spring football that kicked off March 10.
The Southeastern Conference has since announced that all organized team activities, competitions, team and individual practices, meetings and other organized gatherings, will be suspended through April 15.
Spring football practices are now in jeopardy for an April 15 return date due to the CDC’s recommendation over the next eight weeks for organizers (whether groups or individuals) to cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.
On March 13, Tennessee Director of Athletics Phillip Fulmer released a statement regarding the University of Tennessee and the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am heartbroken for our student-athletes who have poured their heart and soul into their training and now find themselves in a season of uncertainty,” Fulmer said. “There are many lingering questions related to academics, eligibility, training schedules, housing and various other internal operations for which we do not yet have answers. But I am focused on actively engaging in the dialogue that is to come as we work to support our young men and women—highlighting their physical, mental and emotional wellness—to help them move forward.
“To our incredible fans, donors and alumni—I understand the frustration that comes along with canceled events, ticket refunds and many lost opportunities to celebrate Tennessee wins and championships. But I’m confident that these circumstances will stir the passion of the world’s most extraordinary fanbase, and that your love for the Vols and Lady Vols will shine through like never before when the action eventually resumes.”
In order for life to return to normalcy, Brown stresses an importance for everyone to abide guidelines issued by the CDC and government officials.
“Vol fans can be great fans if they join in the effort to control COVID-19 and accept that we are in very different circumstances than a few months ago,” she said.
Tennessee returning to the practice field or taking part in the annual Chevrolet Orange & White game by at least a May 15 date is anything but certain at this point.
“A May 15 date, I wish I had that crystal ball,” Brown said. “When the unknowns outweigh the knowns, the best answer is it depends.”