The Metropolitan Museum of Art has officially announced the "indefinite postponement" of one of fashion's most anticipated events, the Met Gala, which was scheduled to take place on May 4. While an alternate date for the Met Gala (which was scheduled to take place on May 4) has not yet been announced, this decision will come as no surprise to many, as the Met itself has announced that it will be closed "until further notice" after two employees showed symptoms of coronavirus, and that "all through May 15 programs and events will be canceled or postponed," it told Vogue (opens in new tab).

Anna Wintour issued a statement (opens in new tab) saying, "Due to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's unavoidable and responsible decision to close, 'About Time' and the Opening Night Gala will be postponed to a later date. Until then, we will bring you a preview of this very special exhibition in our upcoming May issue."

The decision to cancel the Met Gala follows as New York City tries to contain the spread of the virus. Distance from society (opening with a new tab) has become the new norm for most people, as has telecommuting; retailers like Aritzia, Nike, and Outdoor Voices are closing their stores, and restaurants and bars are offering only takeout and delivery. Over the weekend, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even recommended that gatherings of 50 or more people be canceled for the next eight weeks.

For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, fascinating features, and more like this, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.

Click here to subscribe (opens in new tab)