NYC, Los Angeles, and Washington state have announced a shutdown of bars and restaurants. Here are all the places taking drastic measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.

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NYC, Los Angeles, and Washington state have announced a shutdown of bars and restaurants. Here are all the places taking drastic measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.
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  • Several US cities and states have taken major steps to curb the spread of coronavirus.
  • New York City and Los Angeles, California closed all bars and restaurants except for takeout on March 15. Ohio, Illinois, and Washington state imposed similar measures.
  • Public health experts and government officials have stressed the importance of social distancing in order to slow the spread of airborne infections.
  • As of Sunday evening, the US has reported over 3,800 cases of coronavirus, which causes a disease known as COVID-19. The disease has also killed 69 people in the US and has spread to over 100 countries.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Several US cities and states have taken major steps to curb the spread of coronavirus, including shutting down nightclubs, canceling holiday festivities, and forcing restaurants to serve food by delivery or takeout only.

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As of Sunday evening, the US has reported over 3,800 cases of coronavirus, which causes a disease known as COVID-19. The disease has also killed 69 people in the US and has spread to over 100 countries.

Public health experts and government officials have stressed the importance of social distancing in order to slow the spread of airborne infections. The term refers to bread measures, including canceling sporting events and closing schools, as well as individual measures like working from home and maintaining distance from sick people.

On Sunday, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put forward new guidelines recommending that all gatherings and events of 50 people and more be postponed until May.

"Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities," the CDC said. They stressed that large gatherings include "festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies."

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The CDC said that the recommendation "does not apply day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses," but local and state governments are already heeding the CDC's advice.

Here are some of the measures local and state governments are taking to limit public gatherings in order to curb the coronavirus spread.

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New York City is banning dining out at restaurants.

New York City is banning dining out at restaurants.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on March 15 that he will sign an executive order to limit all restaurants, bars, and cafes in the city to food takeout and delivery.

In addition, all nightclubs, movie theaters, small theater houses, and concert venues will be forced to close to prevent the spread of disease.

The order is set to go into effect on March 17 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Los Angeles, California followed New York City's lead. The city closed all nightclubs and banned dining out at restaurants.

Los Angeles, California followed New York City's lead. The city closed all nightclubs and banned dining out at restaurants.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on March 15 that he would be taking executive action to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by closing bars, nightclubs and restaurants, which will be allowed to continue serving takeout and delivery only.

Gyms and entertainment venues, including movie theatres, live-performance venues, and bowling alleys, will also be shuttered until March 31 unless extended.

"These are the emergency steps we are taking to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 & protect people across LA, effective at midnight tonight," Garcetti said.

"This isn't easy & I don't make this decision lightly. We will do everything we can to help businesses & workers impacted during this time," he added.

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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered all bars and restaurants in the state to close on March 15.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered all bars and restaurants in the state to close on March 15.

Dewine announced the measure, which went into effect at 9:00 p.m. on March 15, ahead of the St. Patrick's Day holiday.

Restaurants with takeout and delivery options will still be able to operate those services.

"Our goal is for everyone to get through this," said DeWine. "Our hope is that next St. Patrick's Day, everyone will be there and that they'll have the opportunity to live their lives and live their American dream. But, if people are not around, they can't do that."

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced a statewide closure of restaurants and bars from March 15.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced a statewide closure of restaurants and bars from March 15.

Inslee said in a March 15 statement that the move was aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19.

"Given the explosion of COVID-19 in our state and globally, I will sign a statewide emergency proclamation tomorrow to temporarily shut down restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities," Inslee said.

Restaurants will be allowed to provide takeout and delivery service but not in-person dining.

"Additionally, all gatherings with over 50 participants are prohibited and all gatherings under 50 participants are prohibited unless previously announced criteria for public health and social distancing are met," he said.

The ban will not apply to grocery stores and pharmacies.

"These are very difficult decisions, but hours count here and very strong measures are necessary to slow the spread of the disease. I know there will be significant economic impacts to all our communities and we are looking at steps to help address those challenges."

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Illinois Gov. JB. Pritzker will shutter all bars and restaurants in the state from March 16.

Illinois Gov. JB. Pritzker will shutter all bars and restaurants in the state from March 16.

Pritzker made the announcement on March 15 and said all bars and restaurants would be closed to the public from Monday, March 16th to Monday, March 30th.

"This is another hard step to take. I know how difficult this will be on small businesses around the state," Pritzker said. "But we must do everything we can to safeguard the health of the citizens of Illinois, and that requires this urgent action."

"The time for persuasion and public appeals is over — the time for action is here. This is not a joke. 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 added.

The announcement also stressed the importance of social distancing.

"Social distancing is the paramount strategy for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, and the Governor is committed to using every tool at his disposal to protect public health," the statement read.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla of Hoboken, New Jersey announced a ban on bars and a city-wide curfew from March 16.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla of Hoboken, New Jersey announced a ban on bars and a city-wide curfew from March 16.

In a statement on March 15, Bhalla said all bars & restaurants, with or without a liquor license, would only be able to serve food by delivery or takeout.

Bars that do not already serve food will be forced to close from March 15.

The mayor also imposed a city-wide curfew in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Monday, March 16 until further notice.

"During this curfew, all residents will be required to remain in their homes except for emergencies, or if you are required to work by your employer," Bhalla wrote.

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Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker will limit public gatherings to 25 individuals or less from March 17.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker will limit public gatherings to 25 individuals or less from March 17.

Baker issued an emergency order on March 15, limiting public gatherings to 25 people or less and banning the consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants.

This includes community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals, and similar activities.

The order will go into effect on March 17 and run through April 6.

Hospitals have also been directed to postpone elective surgeries in order to devote resources to coronavirus treatment.

Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser banned gatherings of more than 250 people and closed all bars from March 15.

Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser banned gatherings of more than 250 people and closed all bars from March 15.

In a statement on March 15, Bowser said that restaurants and bars need to suspend the use of bar seating and need to ensure that occupancy stands at less than 250 people at a time.

All nightclubs have also been ordered to cease operations immediately.

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Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans, Louisiana announced a service curfew for bars and restaurants from March 15.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans, Louisiana announced a service curfew for bars and restaurants from March 15.

Contrell said in a statement on March 15 that all full-service restaurants with seating are to cease operations at 9 p.m. daily but can continue offering delivery until the usual closing time.

Bars and nightclubs will cease service at 12 a.m. daily and will limit their capacity by up to 50% of their usual capacity.

Several popular bars and restaurants have also voluntarily ceased operations to mitigate the disease spread.

Several popular bars and restaurants have also voluntarily ceased operations to mitigate the disease spread.

In South Boston, Massachusetts, several popular bars voluntarily decided to close on March 15.

Pennsylvania officials have also urged most businesses in several counties to cease operations immediately.

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