Rapid spread of COVID-19 puts Downey events into question

DOWNEY — Gov. Gavin Newsom Wednesday night announced that California public health officials have determined that gatherings of more than 250 people should be postponed or canceled across the state until at least the end of March due to the spread of COVID-19.

“Changing our actions for a short period of time will save the life of one or more people you know,’’ Newsom said in a statement. “That’s the choice before us. Each of us has extraordinary power to slow the spread of this disease.

“Not holding that concert or community event can have cascading effects — saving dozens of lives and preserving critical healthcare resources that your family may need a month from now. The people in our lives who are most at risk -- seniors and those with underlying health conditions — are depending on all of us to make the right choice.”

The governor’s recommendation puts into doubt several Downey events, including the Arc Walk on March 21.

Donna Lindley, chief executive officer of The Arc Los Angeles & Orange Counties, said the agency was monitoring updates from city and county agencies. As of Thursday morning, the walk had not been officially canceled.

The Arc Walk is The Arc’s largest fundraiser, helping fund educational and job placement programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

Another event that could be affected by the coronavirus is Downey’s City of STEM festival on April 4.

Held at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, the event typically draws a large crowd as it kicks off a month-long celebration of STEM events for all ages.

A few weeks later, on April 18, the Downey Theatre is scheduled to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a free community festival. It’s still unclear if that event will be impacted.

Downey Federal Credit Union canceled its food-packing event scheduled for April 3 at Warren High.

Volunteers were preparing to package 60,000 meals for local needy families.

“DFCU puts our members, volunteers and meal recipients’ health and food safety as our top priority,” the credit union said in an email. “We thank all our volunteers and generous donors who contributed to this charity event.”

Donations already made to this year’s event will be distributed to local food banks, officials said.

On Wednesday, the Downey Unified School District postponed its Future Freshman Night at Warren High School. Classes will continue as regularly scheduled.

“As there is only one known transmission in all of LA County and no cases within the city of Downey, our school days are continuing as usual,” the district said in a statement posted to Instagram. “As shared with our parents, we are diligently and continuously cleaning and sanitizing our campuses in an effort to keep our students and staff healthy.”

Restaurants and businesses are also adapting to the COVID-19 threat. Downey Brewing Company said it was switching to disposable cups on busy nights to allow its staff enough time to thoroughly clean and sanitize its glassware.

It also deployed air purifiers and deodorizers, and made hand sanitizing gel available to its employees and customers.