SEATTLE, WA — Few spring rituals are as cherished in Seattle than visiting the University of Washington's campus to see its cherry blossoms in full bloom.

But as the new coronavirus continues to spread in the Seattle area, the UW is asking the public to stay away from campus while the cherry trees blossom.

"Thousands of people usually visit campus each spring to see the cherry blossoms," the UW said in a news release Wednesday. "The university's order is in compliance with state and local public health proclamations that prohibit gatherings of more than 50 people in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19."