More states ordered the closure of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues Monday, hours after the CDC announced guidance that Americans should avoid attending events in groups of 50 or more people amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In a joint announcement Monday Connecticut, New Jersey and New York ordered restaurants and bars to close for those dining in beginner at 8 p.m. ET Monday. In addition, the governors of each state also ordered the closure of casinos, gyms and movie theaters.
The governor of Indiana, Eric Holcomb, also said Monday that bars, nightclubs and restaurants in the state are now required to close to in-person patrons through the end of March, but may provide take-out and delivery services.
Maryland joined the list of states taking these measures Monday, when Gov. Larry Hogan announced an executive order closing all bars, restaurants, movie theaters, and gyms in the state.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is also expected to order the closure of restaurant dining rooms and bars in the state later on Monday. In the past few days, Whitmer has closed schools across the state and banned public gatherings of more than 250 people.
Governors of Ohio and Illinois announced similar orders on Sunday evening. Both states are still permitting carry-out and delivery orders from restaurants. Also on Sunday, California announced it was closing all bars, nightclubs, brewpubs and wineries.
Sunday, the CDC announced a more aggressive guideline — suggesting that events of more than 50 people be postponed for the next eight weeks to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Monday, the city of Denver announced the closure of restaurants and bars until May 11 . All restaurants and bars will close on-site seating beginning Tuesday at 8 a.m., Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. Delivery, drive-through and carry-out options will remain in place.