HOUGHTON — As concerns mount over COVID-19, the City of Houghton has canceled events to slow its spread.

Parking focus groups and public forum scheduled for March 18 and 19 have been canceled. They will be rescheduled at a later date.

Operations at Dee Stadium have also been suspended for the rest of the season. Staff will spend the next few weeks during the annual spring cleaning early.

Friday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order canceling all events over 250 people and any assemblages in shared spaces over 250 people, which started at 5 p.m. Friday and continuing through 5 p.m. April 5.

Twelve people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Michigan as of Thursday, all downstate. Health officials have called for limits of large gatherings. By limiting exposure to the virus, officials hope to keep its peak below hospitals’ operating capacity.