https://apnews.com/490b5cb1ca2b50b07e6a6c27e7980e04

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A NASA astronaut who's about to leave the planet for six months will blast off without any family or fanfare because of the coronavirus.

Chris Cassidy said Thursday that he won't have any guests at his April 9 launch from Kazakhstan. He expects to say goodbye in Russia to his wife, Julie, on Friday, three weeks earlier than planned.