There’s a virus in Wuhan, China. So we’re cancelling Chinese-culture events in Palo Alto. Because, logic.

So if they don’t cancel other non-Chinese cultural events, isn’t that a little, you know.

Thank you so much for keeping us safe!

Wow, this is dumb. If they are going to cancel an event in Palo Alto because they're worried about the risk of coronavirus, then they should just permanently cancel this event due to the risk posed by people driving to the event (they could be injured or killed in a car accident on the way to the venue).

That's not a valid comparison. Unless all the accident victims turn into cars that hurt people and all those people also turn into cars.. I can't even mock that comparison. Sorry, viruses are like terrorists who don't care who you are. Let's stop then.

Good move canceling these events even though the outbreak of the virus is halfway around the world in China. You never know. It could cross the Pacific Ocean with the trade winds. I highly recommend wearing those particle blocking masks, as well. They don't look ridiculous at all!

An article from Toronto, but relevant to this decision here, "The idea that Chinese communities should be avoided is entirely inconsistent with the advice of medical professionals," Toronto Mayor John Tory said. Link: Web Link

The Palo Alto community made the wrong call, one that may feed xenophobia.

Wrong. The Palo Alto Chinese groups that cancelled these events were following current, authoritative posted advice from the county's Health Department that large gatherings raise the risk of spreading the epidemic. It is a topic of concern among the local Chinese communities, and the cancellation was decided by the events' organizers themselves. Nothing to do with "xenophobia."

The Santa Clara county health department says:

"Please remember that flu and other respiratory viruses are very common right now, and large group gatherings are places where viruses often spread. Remember, if you are not feeling well or are experiencing cold, flu or other symptoms, stay home to avoid spreading germs."

So these celebrations should be permanently canceled forever, since it occurs every year during flu season and the organizers say they "don't want to take any risk".

I see nothing wrong with precautions.

California residents are far more likely to get sick or die from the common flu than from this virus. The flu is spread at public gatherings like the Super Bowl or various watch parties around the country. In addition, there are always numerous deaths caused by drunk driving and domestic violence during and immediately after the Super Bowl. Therefore we should cancel the Super Bowl in the name of public health. Safety first.

Health-Department advisory I mentioned earlier (sent to social media this week) included information similar to the current page on this topic: Web Link

"With any virus, we know they spread easily in large groups of people. If you can, avoid large gatherings, especially if you do not feel well. And if you have a fever, cough, or trouble breathing, please do not attend Super Bowl parties this weekend. Whether it’s the flu or another virus, you can help us limit the spread of many illnesses by staying home when you are sick."

So, no: This isn't something to pettily mock ("So these celebrations should be permanently canceled forever") -- since, obviously, the current context of the Health-Department advice is unusual.

And some of the other comments -- ("because there's a virus in Wuhan;" "Wow, this is dumb;" "even though the outbreak of the virus is halfway around the world in China" [um, it was in the US well before that comment appeared]; "The idea that Chinese communities should be avoided" -- appear never to have read the article before commenting on it, or else not followed current news.

This is a virus already international before this article appeared; the advisories stress common-sense measures; and the Palo-Alto Chinese New Year events were canceled by their own organizers -- nothing remotely related to "avoiding Chinese communities," "xenophobia," or any other inappropriate projections of personal notions onto this news story.

Corrected link for my comment above: Web Link

The one included above is for the national CDC, not what I've been referring to on this page.