As the coronavirus continues to spread across the United States, governors in California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio and Washington have closed bars, wineries and restaurants in an effort to stop the virus from infecting more people. Several mayors of major cities across the country have also ordered similar restrictions to be put in place.
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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine wrote on Twitter, “Establishments can stay open for carry-out and delivery. What we can't have is people congregating and seated.” He added in another tweet, “This is the real thing. This is not a drill. This is a once in a lifetime pandemic, and everything we all do matters.”
After announcing that all bars, wineries and nightclubs will close until at least March 31, California Governor Gavin Newsom also asked citizens over the age of 65 to self-isolate.
At a news conference, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker described the coronavirus as “incredibly contagious,” and added, “If we take decisive steps now and everyone plays their part by following the best medical guidance, we can slow down the spread."
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio took similar action on Sunday, ordering all concert venues, nightclubs and theaters to close by Tuesday morning, and limiting all bars and restaurants in the city to takeout and delivery.
In New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced that all restaurants needed to close by 9pm, bars and nightclubs needed to close by midnight, and capacity would be limited to 50% for all of these establishments.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that for the next eight weeks, all gatherings of more than 50 people be cancelled or postponed to help stop the spread of the virus. This includes events such as conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events and weddings.