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Graduation ceremonies draw thousands despite pandemic fears

Virus Outbreak Graduation
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HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — High schools nationwide have canceled or postponed traditional graduation ceremonies to avoid worsening the spread of the new coronavirus. But some are going ahead as usual, with tweaks to account for health concerns.

Two large schools near Birmingham, Alabama, are holding back-to-back commencement exercises that will draw thousands of people on Wednesday and Thursday night. Another nearby school had a similar ceremony Tuesday night.

Health officials say such events could endanger the public health by promoting the spread of disease. But school officials say they're using social distancing guidelines and abiding by state health rules.

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