Washington (CNN) President Donald Trump said Monday he thinks it's "very safe" to continue hosting crowded campaign rallies around the country even as his administration contends with a growing outbreak of coronavirus in the United States.

"These were set up a long time ago," the President said in the Oval Office when asked if it was a good idea to proceed with his planned rally on Monday evening in North Carolina.

Health experts have said avoiding large crowds where the virus could spread is a good idea for older people, who appear to be more vulnerable. Some major gatherings, such as industry conferences and international summits, have been scrapped, but sporting and entertainment events in the US are proceeding as planned and Democratic presidential candidates continue to host rallies.

Trump insisted his campaign rallies, which can bring thousands of supporters into contained spaces, did not pose a risk.

"I think it's very safe," he said in the Oval Office, where he was hosting Colombia's President.

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