In case you think this might not be true, latest data shows that coronavirus began spreading in Chicago after literally two family events: a birthday and a funeral. All it took was a couple people arriving out of state, resulting in dozens of infections and several deaths within said families. These two events happened in February and have boosted the city's infection rate, even if these weren't the first individual cases. Now Chicago has over 6,600 confirmed infections and many of them were traced back to these family gatherings.
Sticking only to your closest relatives or flatmates is also backed up by data from China. According to the World Health Organisation's data from the Hubei Province, as many as 75% to 80% of infections in Wuhan took place within family clusters, one member infecting another.
It's thus no wonder that municipal authorities across the country are appealing to citizens not to travel to their close ones and celebrate only with those we share our home with. “Although Easter weekend is a time for our families to come together, gatherings will continue the community spread of this virus,” said El Paso Mayor, Dee Margo. “So please, do not gather for family parties, dinners or lunches with individuals who don’t live in your home.”
Margo's voice is one of many, urging Americans to stay at home. After all, we still have video calls through countless apps on our phones and can even have some fun with surprise calls to those we cannot see in person. And if you do meet others, social distancing should always be observed.
