INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday recommended canceling or postponing gatherings of more than 50 people across the country for the next eight weeks.

The recommendation comes as officials across the country curtailed elements of American life to fight the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday, with governors closing restaurants, bars and schools and a government expert saying a 14-day national shutdown may be needed.

The 2020 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 24.

On Monday, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway released a statement responding to the CDC’s recommendation and how it may affect the running of the 2020 Indianapolis 500:

“We are aware of the CDC’s interim guidance suggesting the postponement of events involving more than 50 people over the next eight weeks. Our priority is to do our part in protecting the public health while still conducting the 104^th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge as scheduled on May 24. This continues to be a dynamic situation which we are monitoring constantly in coordination with federal, state, local and public health officials. We are planning for all contingencies and will be prepared to run the GMR Grand Prix and Indy 500 as the COVID-19 situation permits.”