STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday night that New York City bars, restaurants and entertainment venues would be limited to takeout and delivery orders only.
“Our lives are all changing in ways that were unimaginable just a week ago," de Blasio said in a written statement. “We are taking a series of actions that we never would have taken otherwise in an effort to save the lives of loved ones and our neighbors. Now it is time to take yet another drastic step.”
“The virus can spread rapidly through the close interactions New Yorkers have in restaurants, bars and places where we sit close together,” the statement read. “We have to break that cycle.”
De Blasio made the decision just hours after he decided to close down schools until at least April 20, with the option to keep schools closed for the rest of the school year.
Lee’s Tavern announced Sunday night it would temporarily shut its doors as a proactive measure to limit crowds.
De Blasio will sign an executive order tomorrow that limits restaurants, bars and cafes to food take-out and delivery, according to the statement. “Nightclubs, movie theaters, small theater houses, and concert venues must all close. The order will go into effect Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00 AM," according to the statement.
Bars that do not serve food must close.
“This is not a decision I make lightly. These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality," de Blasio said.
“We will come through this, but until we do, we must make whatever sacrifices necessary to help our fellow New Yorkers.”
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