(WXYZ) — State officials are taking unprecedented steps to lower the possibility of spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19) by ordering statewide closures of bars and restaurants.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Twitter Sunday that all bars and restaurants in the state have been ordered closed due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak starting at 9 p.m. Sunday. Shortly after, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker made the same move by ordering all bars and restaurants closed to dine-in customers starting Monday night through March 30.
And heres the dominos starting to fall. First Ohio, now Illinois shutting down bars and restaurants.
— Brian Abel (@BrianAbelTV) March 15, 2020
Of Note: Michigan's @GovWhitmer is set for a news conference around 6p tonight. https://t.co/VgWfTAFzHe
"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. #COVID19 #COVID19OhioReady," DeWine wrote in a tweet thread.
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
The Ohio order will go into effect at 9 p.m., and is only for dine-in customers also – carry out and delivery will still be available, DeWine said.
"Every day we delay, more people will die," DeWine wrote. "If we do not act and get some distance between people, our healthcare system in #Ohio will not hold up. 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."
