Conservative group announces 'difficult decision' amid coronavirus fears

The conservative nonprofit Young America’s Foundation announced the cancellation of all of its events through April because of coronavirus.

”As Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be a concern worldwide, Young America’s Foundation has made the difficult decision to cancel all of our programs through April,” Ron Robinson of YAF wrote to supporters in an email. “This includes all supporter and student events at our National Headquarters, Reagan Ranch, Reagan Ranch Center, and on campuses nationwide.”

[RELATED: Colleges nationwide tell students to leave dorms early...but won’t promise refunds]

”At this critical time for our country, this was not the decision we wanted to make. Despite the risk to most Americans—especially young Americans—remaining low, some of our students’ families, speakers, and YAF’s generous supporters remain vulnerable,” Robinson added.

The move came after President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office on the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

”YAF echoes the sentiment expressed by President Trump in his address to the nation Wednesday evening with this announcement to put the wellbeing of those who participate in our programs first. For our California programs, we are also following the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and California Department of Public Health,” Robinson said. 

[RELATED: Colleges cancel commencement ceremonies amid coronavirus concerns]

Trump declared a national emergency as the number of people testing positive for coronavirus increased and public health officials only predicted the number to rise exponentially. As a result, colleges across the country have canceled in-person classes for the remainder of the spring semester. Some have even canceled commencement ceremonies as the CDC issued new guidelines discouraging the gathering of 50 or more people. Trump later discouraged Americans from gathering in groups of 10 or more. 

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