Gov. Kate Brown announced an extraordinary ban on meetings of 250 people or more Wednesday night in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The prohibition will last four weeks. If it remains in place, it could have enormous economic implications for businesses -- like professional sports teams, concert promoters and other operations -- that depend on crowds of spectators.

Brown will offer more detail about the ban, as well as other strategies intended to stunt the virus’ growth at a press conference Thursday. Personal distancing, working from home and other workplace strategies to restrain the coronavirus agenda.

The virus story is now moving nearly as fast the virus itself. Even for those lucky enough to avoid getting seriously ill, the coronavirus is disrupting lives, changing the nature of our jobs, stunting the economy and forcing unprecedented decisions. Before Brown could even reveal her new mass gatherings strategy, the Blazers season was put on ice by the NBA. The league announced Wednesday night that the season would be suspended after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.

The NCAA announced Wednesday that fans will not be allowed to attend any game in its March Madness tournament. Only essential staff and family can watch the games.

The rapid spread of the coronavirus convinced public officials across the country to take action. Experts argue the prospect of an arena jammed with thousands of people -- some of them potentially stricken with the virus -- could make a public health disaster even worse.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday banned any public gathering with more than 250 people. San Francisco set the limit at 50.

At the latest count, the number of cases around the globe had topped 126,036 and more than 4,600 had died.

Gov. Brown offered a precise definition of a “gathering" Thursday night that may give some events some leeway. “A gathering is defined as any event in a space in which appropriate social distancing of a minimum of three feet cannot be maintained.”

Banning fans would be a huge financial hit for any professional team, not to mention arts groups, concert and theater promoters. NBA teams on average derive about 22 percent of their revenue from ticket sales. Hundreds of people work at the Moda Center, Providence Park and other sports and cultural venues.

Timber representatives declined to comment.

An official with another team, who would talk only off the record, said his organization has been talking for some time with state and county officials. “We’ll abide by whatever guidelines are approved,” the official said. “It’s an unprecedented time for all of us.”

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