With NYC up to 329 confirmed cases of COVID-19, Mayor Bill de Blasio took to Twitter Sunday night to announce that “Now it is time to take yet another drastic step.”
Over the weekend many government officials have been calling for restaurants and bars to be forced to close after Saturday night was met with a large turnout to various local venues, says Eater. Now, Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced via Twitter that, as of Tuesday (March 17) at 9 a.m., “Nightclubs, movie theaters, small theater houses, and concert venues must all close.” He also states that restaurants, bars and cafes that serve food will only be allowed to offer take-out and delivery options.
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. Now it is time to take yet another drastic step.
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) March 16, 2020
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.
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) March 16, 2020
His thread goes on to mention that this was not a decision he came to lightly:
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.
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) March 16, 2020
We will come through this, but until we do, we must make whatever sacrifices necessary to help our fellow New Yorkers.
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) March 16, 2020
For all important NYC COVID-19 updates you can text ‘COVID’ to ‘692692’. de Blasio also encourages people struggling with this crisis to call 1-888-NYC-WELL or text ‘WELL’ to 65173.
The COVID-19 crisis is coming at us so fast. It can feel alarming and heartbreaking all at once.
If you’re having trouble with it, you are not alone, New York. Call 1-888-NYC-Well or text WELL to 65173.
This will get better. And your city is with you every step of the way. pic.twitter.com/V78CGXlh4p
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) March 16, 2020
featured image source: shutterstock