Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is ordering all bars and restaurants in the state to close Monday as another measure to help contain the spread of coronavirus.
In a press conference Sunday afternoon, he said bars and restaurants will be closed starting the end of the business day on Monday through March 30. This order follows warnings by public officials in several states, including Pritzker, against crowding into confined spaces like bars and restaurants where the virus could spread.
“The time for persuasion and public appeals is over. The time for action is here. This is not a joke,” Pritzker said. “No one is immune to this, and you have an obligation to act in the best interests of all the people of this state.”
He also said he’s working with restaurant owners to see if kitchens can safely remain open for food delivery. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine also announced the indefinite closure of bars and restaurants, beginning 9 p.m. EST on Sunday.
In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear said he may have to enact similar measures if residents can’t keep to social distancing practices by not crowding bars and restaurants.
