The Latest: Seattle Area, San Francisco Ban Large Gatherings

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By The Associated Press

The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak sweeping the globe:

Officials have banned large gatherings and events in the Seattle metro area and in San Francisco to try to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced the ban Wednesday on events with more than 250 people in three counties with nearly 4 million people. At least 25 people have died in the state.

The order lasts through March and could be extended. It wouldn’t shut down businesses or schools but applies to sporting events like Seattle Sounders soccer games. The Mariners baseball team will move home games from Seattle.

Also Wednesday, the San Francisco mayor banned gatherings of 1,000 or more people, including Golden State Warriors games.

California’s Santa Clara County, home to San Jose and Silicon Valley, announced a ban Monday on all gatherings of 1,000 people or more.