New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut Close Bars, Movie Theaters, and Casinos to Limit the Spread of the Coronavirus

The governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have made the decision to shut down bars, restaurants, and movie theaters as an attempt to stop the growth of coronavirus cases.

Fox News reported that these governors said they are “working to limit crowd capacity for recreational and social gatherings to 50 people starting at 8 p.m. on Monday throughout the tri-state area.”

Is it only a matter of time before everything else shuts down? 🤔

Coronavirus outbreak spurs New York, New Jersey, Connecticut to shut bars, restaurants and movie theatershttps://t.co/liuYcCgzZX

— Lauren (@Lfacemaker) March 16, 2020

“Our primary goal right now is to slow the spread of this virus so that the wave of new infections doesn't crash our health care system, and everyone agrees social distancing is the best way to do that,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. “This is not a war that can be won alone, which is why New York is partnering with our neighboring states to implement a uniform standard that not only keeps our people safe but also prevents ‘state shopping' where residents of one state travel to another and vice versa.”

Businesses such as supermarkets and gas stations can stay open after 8 pm. However, non-essential businesses such as movie theaters and casinos must close. Restaurants can offer take-out and delivery.

“We've got to work through this together. The feds have been asleep at the switch,” Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said.

As of now, it is unclear when business will return to normal.