Governor Andrew Cuomo Orders Bars, Restaurants, Casinos, Theaters to Close

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, he is ordering bars, restaurants, gyms, casinos, theaters to close as of 8 p.m. March 16 until further notice.

Cuomo says the closure of restaurants and bars will be for sit-down service.  Take out and delivery service will still be operating.

The Democrat adds the State Liquor Authority is currently working on guidelines to allow orders to be placed for takeout for any item that a person would order at a bar or restaurant that normally would not be allowed for sale off-premises.

Cuomo repeated his criticism of the federal government over recent days.  He complains that the patchwork of state regulations opens the door for people to drive to other states to get items or services that  have been shut down in neighboring states.

The Democrat says New York has agreements with Connecticut and New Jersey to avoid having people leaving the Empire State to drive to neighboring states to drink then drive home. During his 11 a.m. address, the Governor did not mention any agreement with Pennsylvania.

Cuomo is also directing all local governments to cut their workforce by at least 50%, allowing non-essential services to stay home.

The governor is again calling on federal efforts to help address what he says will be an overwhelming of the health care system.

Cuomo says he is organizing the National Guard, unions and private developers to work to retrofit facilities to address the need for medical space.

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