The coronavirus continues to spread, affecting the government, schools and sports organizations. Now it’s affecting restaurants and bars.
All bars and restaurants are now closing in Illinois and Ohio. Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine announced the closures on Twitter.
He tweeted, “We will be issuing an order closing all bars and restaurants in #Ohio beginning at 9:00 tonight.” DeWine added, “Establishments can stay open for carry-out and delivery. What we can’t have is people congregating and seated.”
Establishments can stay open for carry-out and delivery. What we can't have is people congregating and seated. #COVID19 #COVID19OhioReady pic.twitter.com/3EaBWeeMdr
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 15, 2020
DeWine wasn’t the only government official to announce closures of bars and restaurants.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is ordering bars and restaurants to close their dine-in operations on Monday.
During a press conference, Pritzker said, “We are working with restaurant owners and food delivery services across the state to see if restaurants can safely keep their kitchens open, so the restaurants can continue food delivery to people at their homes.”
The closures come amid school closings, lawmakers encouraged to practice social distancing and declarations of health emergencies.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) also announced that all bars, pubs, and wineries in the state will close. The state is also putting restrictions on restaurants.
DeWine acknowledged the impact these closures have on employees.
He tweeted, “I’m aware that this will impact many, many good workers. I can’t tell you how sorry I am, but we will work to mitigate the suffering. It is our goal for everyone to get through this.”
Additionally, lawmakers are calling for more action.
“Every day we delay, more people will die. If we do not act and get some distance between people, our healthcare system in #Ohio will not hold up.” DeWine added, “The loss won’t only be those impacted by #COVID19, but the danger is also to everyone else who needs hospital care for other issues.”
States continue to deal with school closures. According to reports, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced public schools in New York City and surrounding counties are set to close.
