Social Distancing Is Coming To Bars In California, New York, Michigan, and More

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, state leaders In the
U.S. Are calling for closures of bars and restaurants – a strict move in an attempt to enforce the social distancing that the Centers for Infection Control says will slow the spread of the virus and save lives.


California 


Gov. Gavin Newsom reported on Sunday (March 15) that he would close all bars, nightclubs, and wineries. Some city mayors in the state have also required that gyms, movie theaters, and other venues close up until further notice.


“These are profoundly significant steps and so they are significant steps from two days ago,” Newsom mentioned in a news conference, according to The Guardian. “We’re guided deeply by what’s happening, not just by anxiety, not just by fear, although by a very pragmatic response to meet this moment without creating other unintended consequences.”


Connecticut 


Gov. Ned Lamont reported on Monday (March 16) that all restaurants and bars will close, starting at 8 p.M. Monday night, according to the Hartford Courant. The governor also reported that there will be no more gatherings of more than 50 people, and gyms, casinos, and movie theaters also close. They plan to remain closed up until further notice.


“We must do everything we can as a community to slow the spread of this virus so that we don’t overwhelm our healthcare system and we protect the most vulnerable,” Lamont mentioned. “Viruses don't know borders, which is why taking a regional approach on this provide is the perfect plan forward. A national approach to these measures could be the perfect alternative to slow and mitigate the spread of this virus.”


Illinois


Gov. J.B. Pritzker reported on Sunday (March 15) that all bars and restaurants must be closed from Monday (March 16) evening through March 30, according to Chicago’s WGN9.


“There are no easy decisions left to create as we address this unprecedented crisis,” Pritzker mentioned Sunday. “As your governor I can't permit the gravity of those decisions from taking the measures that the science and the experts mention will keep people safe.”


Kentucky


Gov. Andy Beshear reported on Monday (March 16) that he plans to sort all restaurants and bars to close.


“We’re going to have exceptions in there for drive-thru, for delivery yet we are to the point right now that this is a step that we have to take,” Beshear mentioned, according to CNN.


Maryland


On Monday (March 16) Gov. Larry Hogan shut off all bars, restaurants, movie theaters, and gyms in the state, the Baltimore Sun reported.


“We should continue to expect the assortment of [COVID-19] cases to dramatically and quickly rise,” Hogan mentioned. “This is going to be much harder, take much longer and be much worse than almost anyone is now understanding."


Massachusetts 


Gov. Charlie Baker reported on Sunday (March 15) that he'll allowance gatherings to fewer than 25 people, and categorize restaurants to be takeout only from Tuesday (March 17) through April 17.


“We know that a lot of the measures we are putting into place, including mandatory school closures and prohibiting gatherings of 25 people or more, will cause disruption in people’s daily lives,” Baker tweeted. “With the steps we are taking today, we can make sure residents can still access key state services while taking required precautions to allowance the spread of COVID-19.”


Michigan 


Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist announced Monday (March 16) that the state would temporarily shut off bars and restaurants up until further notice.


New Jersey


Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday (March 16) that all movie theaters, gyms, and casinos will be temporarily shut off. Bars and restaurants will permit takeout only, and gatherings are limited to fewer than 50 people up until further notice.


“We never take any of the steps we’ve reported today lightly. We know that these will effect residents and families, communities, and businesses,” Murphy tweeted. “But our paramount concern is to #FlattenTheCurve – these steps will make sure we don't overload our health care system.”


New York


Gov. Andrew Cuomo mentioned on Monday (March 16) that all restaurants and bars will be limited to takeout and delivery, starting at 8 p.M. Monday night, the New York Times reported. Gatherings are limited to fewer than 50 people, and gyms, casinos, and movie theaters close. They plan to remain closed up until further notice.


“Our primary aim is to slow the spread of #Coronavirus so that the wave doesn’t crash our healthcare system,” Cuomo tweeted. “Social distancing is the perfect way to do that.”


Ohio


Gov. Mike DeWine reported on Sunday (March 15) that all bars and restaurants in the state must close up until further notice, according to the Cleveland Scene.


“I'm aware that this will alter several, several good workers. I can't tell you how sorry I am, although we are going to work to mitigate the suffering,” DeWine tweeted. “It is our objective for each person to get through this.”


Washington 


On Sunday (March 15), Gov. Jay Inslee announced the shutdown of restaurants, bars, and entertainment and recreational facilities up until further notice. Restaurants are limited to take-out and delivery service.


“I know there will be significant economic impacts to all our communities. However every hour counts as we bend the curve of infection,” Inslee tweeted. “We have, and will continue to take steps to mitigate those challenges.”


This is a developing story. MTV News will update it as we know more.