NYC Closes All Bars And Restaurants Amid Coronavirus Spread

NEW YORK CITY — All bars and restaurants in New York City will be ordered to serve only takeout food as the city fights the spread of the new coronavirus.

Mayor Bill de Blasio also said Sunday night all nightclubs, movie theaters and concerts must close down.

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“Our lives are all changing in ways that were unimaginable just a week ago. 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," he said.

The mayor will sign an executive order Monday limiting the food outlets to takeout and delivery only. The new rule will go in effect from 9 a.m. Tuesday.

“This is not a decision I make lightly," he said.

"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.

“We will come through this, but until we do, we must make whatever sacrifices necessary to help our fellow New Yorkers.”

New York City had already banned events that involved more than 500 people. On Sunday, the mayor closed schools and warned he would do whatever was necessary to beat the spread of the disease.

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