Since the Coronavirus took off in Dec. 2019 it has spread to become a global pandemic. To subdue panic and the chances of the virus spreading, officials across the world are asking that people take part in social distancing. Many areas are making residents stay inside while others are demanding that groups over fifty be disbanded.

Amid the panic, many iconic and cultural events have decided not to happen this year. St. Patrick’s Day parades throughout Ireland were canceled. Dublin alone attracts more than 400,000 people to see their celebration. Tokyo was also forced to cancel two of its most popular cherry blossom festivals, which attracts over two million tourists every year. Along with the flowers, visitors can usually see light shows, but it is the first time the show has been canceled since the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. These events not only symbolize national pride for these countries but also help boost the local economy with the influx of tourism.

In the U.S. over 48 states have declared a state of emergency and many have recommended curfews to their residents. Over 30 million students are now taking classes online and urged to stay at home. Along with every school in New Jersey being closed NJ Gov. Phil Murphy has ordered that all gyms close indefinitely, malls to shut down, and all restaurants are no longer allowed to have dine-in customers but they are allowed to do delivery and takeout.

The entertainment and sports industry in the U.S. has also been drastically affected. The well known Coachella music festival in California has been postponed until October. The NCAA has suspended all spring sports until further notice but has offered up an extra year of eligibility for athletes that play during that season. The well known March Madness Tournament has also been canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The summer Olympics are supposed to take place in Tokyo starting this July. Fears of the virus are making people wonder if it will be canceled, but for now, the Olympic committee says that things will continue as planned. Despite the confidence that the games will continue there has been talk about holding the event without spectators, as many people are concerned for the health of the athletes and the fans.