Park Service issues warning to cherry blossom viewing crowds

in Washington, D.C., a lot of people flocked to view the cherry blossoms at the National Mall on Saturday. the National Park Service issued a warning that it has become "increasingly difficult to maintain effective social distancing" amid the coronavirus pandemic.

On Friday, D.C. Mayor extended school and restaurant closures and a ban on large gatherings through the end of April, following the first known COVID-19 death in the nation's capital and a spike in coronavirus patients. The National Cherry Blossom Festival was expected to run from March 20 to April 12 but has been canceled.