TAKE A HINT, PEOPLE: At least 18 states, many cities/counties order all bars/restaurants etc. shut down except for delivery/carryout

TO CLARIFY: In pretty much all cases below, when it comes to restaurants, "shut down" refers to dining in only; they're pretty much all still allowing delivery/carryout orders.

Summary so far:

• STATEWIDE CLOSURES:
  • California (still allowing dine-in as long as patrons are spaced widely)
  • Colorado (carryout/delivery only)
  • Connecticut (carryout/delivery only)
  • District of Columbia (still allowing dine-in as long as patrons are spaced widely)
  • Illinois (carryout/delivery only)
  • Indiana (carryout/delivery only)
  • Kentucky (carryout/delivery only)
  • Maryland (carryout/delivery only)
  • Massachusetts (carryout/delivery only)
  • Michigan (carryout/delivery only)
  • Minnesota (carryout/delivery only)
  • New Jersey (carryout/delivery only)
  • New York (carryout/delivery only)
  • Ohio (carryout/delivery only)
  • Pennsylvania (carryout/delivery only)
  • Rhode Island (carryout/delivery only)
  • Washington State (carryout/delivery only)
• COUNTIES:
  • Milwaukee County, Wisconsin (carryout/delivery only)
  • Harris County, Texas (carryout/delivery only)
• CITIES:
  • Las Vegas (carryout/delivery only)
  • Los Angeles (carryout/delivery only...as opposed to rest of CA statewide policy)

As more & more venues and events are delayed or cancelled outright and more states close their schools (Vermont is the latest to do so statewide), you'd think that the public would learn to take a hint and #StayTheFHome. Via CNN:

New studies in several countries and a large coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts bring into question reassuring assertions by US officials about the way the novel virus spreads.

These officials have emphasized that the virus is spread mainly by people who are already showing symptoms, such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing. If that's true, it's good news, since people who are obviously ill can be identified and isolated, making it easier to control an outbreak.

But it appears that a Massachusetts coronavirus cluster with at least 82 cases was started by people who were not yet showing symptoms, and more than half a dozen studies have shown that people without symptoms are causing substantial amounts of infection.

...Several experts interviewed by CNN said while it's unclear exactly what percentage of the transmission in the outbreak is fueled by people who are obviously sick versus those who have no symptoms or very mild symptoms, it's become clear that transmission by people who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic is responsible for more transmission than previously thought.

Unfortunately, you'd be wrong. Via FOX32 Chicago:

Chicago bars packed with St. Patrick's revelers in spite of coronavirus

Chicago bars were packed Saturday afternoon into the evening as revelers celebrated St. Patrick's Day a few days early and ignored warnings about the coronavirus pandemic.

"If you are young and healthy, listen up. We need you to follow social distancing guidelines too. You can have the unintended tragic effect of spreading COVID-19 to others who may be more vulnerable," said Gov. JB Pritzker, noting with exasperation that he saw a lot of people out and about on Saturday afternoon in Chicago.

The governor and other Illinois officials have been encouraging people to stay home and practice social distancing when they have to go out. "Social distancing" generally means staying at least six feet from other people and not dawdling anywhere you don't need to be.

The city canceled the annual dyeing of the Chicago River and St. Patrick's Day parades were also put on hold in order to discourage people from coming out and partying. However, the crowds of mostly young adults seemed not to care about the risk of contracting coronavirus or spreading it to others who are more at risk of a serious or fatal outcome.

"You know, we're trying not to think about it and just have fun regardless," Lauren Anthony told Fox 32 News as she was out barhopping.

Well, Lauren Anthony may be a fucking idiot, but the government is responsible for not only her health but that of her parents and grandparents as well, so this was the next inevitable step:

.@GovPritzker is ordering all bars & restaurants in IL to close to the public beginning tomorrow night.

— Jesse Lehrich (@JesseLehrich) March 15, 2020

PRITZKER: "The time for persuasion & public appeals is over. The time for action is here. This is not a joke."

— Jesse Lehrich (@JesseLehrich) March 15, 2020

BREAKING NEWS: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is ordering all restaurants/bars in the state of Ohio to close at 9 p.m. tonight. 

— Tyler Buchanan (@Tylerjoelb) March 15, 2020

DeWine is clarifying that restaurants can remain open for carry-out + delivery orders. But dining rooms & bars will be closed.

"I can't tell you how sorry I am," DeWine says of those who will be affected by this order.

— Tyler Buchanan (@Tylerjoelb) March 15, 2020

Kudos to (Democratic) Governor Pritzker of Illinois and (Republican) Governor DeWine of Ohio. This is going to be devastating to small businesses statewide but it's the right thing to do under the circumstances.

Just like with the schools, don't be surprised if other states also follow suit on this order over the next few days.

UPDATE: Sure enough, there goes California (bars, anyway):

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday significantly ramped up California’s response to the coronavirus, calling for the closure of all bars, nightclubs, wineries and brewpubs, and urging people 65 and older and those with chronic health conditions to stay indoors in an effort to slow the virus’ spread.

The governor also called on much greater social distancing measures for restaurants.

“We recognize that social isolation for millions of Californians is anxiety inducing but we recognize what all the science bears out and .. we need to meet this moment head-on and lean in,” Newsom said.

UPDATE: Add Massachusetts and Washington State:

BREAKING: Governor Baker [of Massachusetts] takes unprecedented steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. He has amended the 250+ ban on large gatherings to be 25+. He also orders that MA bars and restaurants "shall not permit on premesis consumption." Take out orders will be allowed.

— Jonathan Hall (@JHall7news) March 15, 2020

The order is effective Tuesday March 17 (St Patrick's day) until April 17.

All schools are being closed too. But group homes and daycare centers may remain open.

— Jonathan Hall (@JHall7news) March 15, 2020

All public and private elementary and secondary schools are to be shut down for a three week period.

— Jonathan Hall (@JHall7news) March 15, 2020

In addition @MassGovernor urges people to use common sense when shopping for groceries. "If you buy two years worth of canned soup, that may mean someone else has to do without."

— Jonathan Hall (@JHall7news) March 15, 2020

Tomorrow, we will temporarily shut down restaurants, bars and entertainment/recreational facilities statewide.
--Grocery stores and pharmacies will stay open
--Restaurants may continue take-out and delivery service
--Retail outlets can stay open with reduced occupancy
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) March 16, 2020

All gatherings over 50 participants will be prohibited.

All gatherings under 50 participants will be prohibited unless previously announced criteria for hygiene and social distancing are met. 3/6
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) March 16, 2020

I know there will be significant economic impacts to all our communities. But every hour counts as we bend the curve of infection.
We have, and will continue to take steps to mitigate those challenges. 4/6
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) March 16, 2020

In addition, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has followed suit, although only in certain counties so far:

BREAKING: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all restaurants/bars in several counties to close dine-in facilities beginning Monday.

Counties are Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery.
https://t.co/EnVzkfOHJC

— bobby cherry (@GoBobbo) March 16, 2020

Again, I'm sure this list wil grow longer over the next day or so, especially with St. Patrick's Day coming up on Tuesday...

BREAKING: @GovWhitmer is moving to shut down dine-in service at bars and restaurants in Michigan by 3 p.m. They can remain open for takeout and delivery of food, spokeswoman confirms.

— Chad Livengood (@ChadLivengood) March 16, 2020

Also: New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas (yes, including the casinos):

NEW YORK (AP) -- New York City mayor says he will limit all bars and restaurants to take-out and deliveries in attempt to slow virus.

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) March 16, 2020

Starting at midnight tonight in Los Angeles

Bars and clubs closed
Gyms closed
Movie theaters closed
Restaurants can do takeout/delivery only
Only things to remain open are pharmacies, grocery stores and banks https://t.co/fu2b3dCyNW

— Yashar Ali (@yashar) March 16, 2020

Wow. MGM temporarily closing Las Vegas properties starting March 17th:

Aria
Bellagio
Excalibur
Luxor
Mandalay Bay
MGM Grand
Mirage
New York New York
Park MGM
Vdara pic.twitter.com/lmeC7UoM8Z

— Tim Hogan (@timjhogan) March 16, 2020

UPDATE: Add Kentucky, statewide:

Kentucky's Governor says he will issue an order today closing all bars and restaurants to in-person traffic, to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Michigan, Ohio, California and New York City have similar bans. Follow live updates: https://t.co/BK39tBPll3 pic.twitter.com/FXyXnTbWds

— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) March 16, 2020

UPDATE: Add New York (statewide), New Jersey and Connecticut:

BREAKING | All movie theaters, gyms, bars and restaurants will close in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut at 8 p.m. until further notice, New York Gov. Cuomo said.

“The faster and better societies close down, the sooner they reopen," the governor said.https://t.co/uQK1g5nCZf

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) March 16, 2020

UPDATE: Add Maryland to the statewide list:

Hogan: Executive order shuts down all bars, restaurants, movies and gyms at 5 pm. Drive thru and carry out OK. pic.twitter.com/uVkgLPXzF5

— Pamela Wood☀️ (@pwoodreporter) March 16, 2020

There's also DC, which seems to be taking the California "6-foot spacing" approach for restaurants:

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser released a statement Sunday that ordered licensed nightclubs to shut down operations, and all eating and drinking establishments to eliminate bar seating while the city works to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Following up an advisory announced Friday that limited all gatherings to 250 people or less, the new guidelines include:

• Suspending all bar seating and service to standing patrons
• Limiting all individual tables to six people or less
• Mandating that all tables and booths be spaced at least 6 feet apart.

The city announced six new positive cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, bringing the D.C. total to 16.

Sunday’s statement was meant clarify the emergency policy for restaurants, taverns, nightclubs, and multi-purpose facilities. On Friday, Bowser’s team said that the 250-person limit was not formulated with most restaurants in mind, but it could apply to bigger venues outfitted with banquet halls.

Earlier Sunday, celebrity chef and humanitarian activist José Andrés announced that his ThinkFoodGroup would close all its restaurants in D.C. and New York City. Restaurant magnates Danny Meyer, David Chang, and Daniel Boulud shut down their D.C. properties over the past few days, too.

Before the weekend, the city’s liquor authority had already pulled licenses for three bar crawls that would have attracted large crowds for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dupont Circle and the U Street NW corridor.

Starting last week, many D.C. restaurants have used their email distribution lists and social media accounts to tout their expanded cleaning efforts and plans to expand delivery options. Many perpetually crowded restaurants, like Filipino mainstay Bad Saint and hot new pasta spot Reveler’s Hour, put out word of new options for takeout.

UPDATE: Add Indiana...

Bars, nightclubs and restaurants are required to close to in-person patrons and may provide take-out and delivery services through the end of March.

— Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) March 16, 2020

UPDATE Add Rhode Island...

Today, I announced that effective tomorrow until March 30, dine-in services at all restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in RI will be shut down. Drive-thru, take-out and delivery services can remain open. We’ll revisit this direction in two weeks.

— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) March 16, 2020

UPDATE: Sounds like Pennsylvania's partial shutdown is now statewide:

Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday ordered nonessential Pennsylvania businesses to shut down to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

Wolf said he expects the closures to last at least two weeks.

Wolf’s order came hours after New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Ohio enacted similar mandates, closing all casinos, gyms and movie theaters.

“This isn’t a decision I take lightly at all,” Wolf said.

Hours earlier, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 13 new confirmed cases of covid-19. That brings the total number of cases confirmed by the state to 76. That number does not include testing done by commercial labs around the state. One of Allegheny County’s six cases is not included in the state’s total.

“Your job right now is to stay calm, stay safe and, please, stay at home,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.

UPDATE 3/17: Add Minnesota:

Gov. Tim Walz closes bars and restaurants to curb spread of COVID-19

• The governor's order, made under "peacetime emergency" powers, also covers health clubs, theaters, museums, food courts, coffeehouses and other places of "public accommodation and amusement."

Dine-in restaurants in Minnesota are being temporarily shut down along with bars, theaters, museums and other gathering places under an order by Gov. Tim Walz designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus that has now been confirmed in 54 state residents.

Walz issued the emergency measure Monday, one day after ordering the closing of K-12 schools statewide. The restaurants must close by 5 p.m. Tuesday. Schools will officially close Wednesday, though many districts already suspended classes.

The governor’s order, made under “peacetime emergency” powers, also covers health clubs, theaters, museums, food courts, coffeehouses and other places of “public accommodation and amusement.”

“We’re not going to stop this from spreading,” Walz said, “but we can stop how fast it spreads and we can make sure that we protect those most vulnerable.”

UPDATE 3/17: Add Louisiana:

Governor Edwards shuts downs bars, casinos, gyms and restaurants limited to pick-up and drive-thru services

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced new restrictions that could be in place through April 13th. All bars, gyms, movie theaters and casinos are closed, and all restaurants are limited to drive-thru, pick-up, and delivery service in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Louisiana has 136 COVID-19 positive cases and three people have died. Edwards also called for the mobilization of 400 guardsmen.

“To provide security at Bayou Segnette State Park and to help ensure that things run smoothly at the three drive-thru testing sites that we hope and believe and are working extremely hard to have come on later this week,” said Edwards.

The three drive-through testing sites are being set up with the help of the federal government. Two are set to be open in Orleans Parish and one in Jefferson Parish. Health officials say the testing sites are for those who are experiencing symptoms.

The governor also tried to allay fears that groceries are running out of food, saying the supply chain is intact and efficient.

“When you go to the store buy for the week, don’t try to buy for the month or longer. If you keep your usual shopping habits there will not be a problem. You do not need to horde items or stock up for an extended period of time,” said Edwards.

Edwards noted the April 13th timeline could be extended another 13 days depending on how the situation develops.

UPDATE 3/17: Add Milwaukee County, Wisconsin:

11:06 p.m.: 11 Milwaukee County municipalities, including Milwaukee, prohibit dining in at restaurants, bars 

Eleven Milwaukee County municipalities issued orders closing bars and restaurants effective 2:01 a.m. Tuesday — except for carryout, delivery and curbside service.

Those issuing the order Monday night were the city of Milwaukee, St. Francis, South Milwaukee, Cudahy and the seven North Shore communities of Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Shorewood and Whitefish Bay.

The rest of the municipalities in Milwaukee County are expected to follow within 24 hours.

Also add Harris County, Texas:

HARRIS COUNTY - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced new restrictions for bars and restaurants that will remain in effect for the rest of March in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19.

The county has mandated that all bars and nightclubs will be closed until the end of March. 

Restaurants are no longer allowed to offer dine-in services. The county says restaurants can only offer pick-up, drive-thru or delivery services through the end of the month.

Hidalgo says conferences, weddings, religious gatherings, festivals, parades and other types of assemblies should not be happening.

UPDATE: Add Colorado:

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT)- In a press conference this afternoon, Governor Jared Polis ordered that all restaurants turn to delivery/ take out, and for bars, gyms, and casinos to shutdown amidst the outbreak of COVID-19 in Colorado. This order will be in place for the next 30 days statewide.

On the operation of restaurants, Polis says, "These establishments can remain open but that's for takeout, delivery, and room service."

"To save lives and help prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed by COVID-19 Coronavirus patients, I’m ordering no dine-in restaurants & bars. Delivery, take-out and drive thru will still be available. Now more than ever it is important that we all do our part to stop the spread in Colorado," says Governor Jared Polis.

Governor Polis also announced that 20 people are being hospitalized thoughout the state, and there are likely thousands of undiagonzed cases in the state.

The Governor reintereated the goal of flattening the curve in our state, and announced that CDPHE will open testing site outside Telluride. This will serve about 100 high-risk patients who have been pre-selected by area health care providers.

The state is increasing its testing capablities in several mountain communities.

"We know that we will need extra staff to contend with a surge in cases in the very near future. The state's job database- connectingcolorado.com - will continue to post listings for statewide jobs avaliable," says the Governor's press release.