All Bars, Restaurants In Washington State Shutting Down

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Sunday night that he would order all bars, restaurants, entertainment and recreation facilities to temporarily close to fight the spread of coronavirus in the state with by far the most deaths in the U.S. from the disease. In a statement Inslee said the ban, to be issued via emergency proclamation Monday, wouldn’t apply to grocery stores and pharmacies and that restaurants could continue take-out and delivery services. No time frame was given on how long the restrictions will last. Inslee also revised his ban on events to prohibit gatherings of 50 or more people. Previously the size limit was more than 250.

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
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— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) March 16, 2020