COLUMBUS, OH. — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Sunday afternoon that all bars and restaurants in Ohio would be ordered to close beginning at 9 p.m. that evening.
During a press conference to discuss the spread of COVID-19 held in Columbus, Ohio, Governor DeWine confirmed the statewide bar and restaurant shutdown that he had alluded to on NBC's Meet the Press.
We will be issuing an order closing all bars and restaurants in #Ohio beginning at 9:00 tonight.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 15, 2020
The Ohio Department of Health had diagnosed 36 Ohioans with the novel coronavirus by 2 p.m. Sunday.
Amy Acton, the director of the Ohio Department of Health, repeatedly cautioned Ohioans throughout the week that the coronavirus was almost undoubtedly widespread throughout the state, and no county should be considered coronavirus-free, according to WCPO.
In a series of tweets posted by Governor DeWine on Sunday, it was made clear that patrons can still get carry-out or delivery but establishments can not have "people congregating and seated."
Every day we delay, more people will die.
If we do not act and get some distance between people, our healthcare system in #Ohio will not hold up. The loss won't only be those impacted by #COVID19, but the danger is also to everyone else who needs hospital care for other issues.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 15, 2020
It has not been made clear yet how long this closure will be in effect.
MORE | Catering business provides food for people struggling as COVID-19 impacts everyday life | 'We're here for you': Neighbors are helping neighbors on northeast side during COVID-19 crisis | Indianapolis distillery creates hand cleaner to help combat COVID-19, plans to donate 2K bottles |
California and Illinois also took wide-ranging steps Sunday to ensure social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In California, Gov. Gavin Newsome ordered that all bars, nightclubs, wineries and brew pubs to close. He also asked those 65 and over to self-isolate.
Shortly after, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that all restaurants would remain closed from Monday through March 30.
RTV6 reached out to Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb's office to see what measure he may consider, and they said the following:
"The outbreak continues to evolve and Gov. Holcomb continues to evaluate the situation. We will send out notice of any decisions that are made."
