As Trump Becomes Irrelevant, States Announce Joint Action Plan To Mitigate Spread Of COVID-19

With the federal government unable to lead, governors from several states are filling the leadership vacuum with a joint regional action plan to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Bars and restaurants will be reduced to takeout and delivery options only. All movie theaters, casinos and gyms will also be closed, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced on Monday.

“Crowd capacities will be reduced to 50 people,” Cuomo tweeted.

It’s the latest round of restrictions announced in the region.

#BREAKING: NY, CT and NJ are taking joint regional action to reduce the spread of #COVID19:

Effective 8PM TONIGHT:

-Crowd capacity reduced to 50
-Restaurants/bars will be takeout/delivery ONLY
-Gyms closed
-Movie theaters closed
-Casinos closed

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 16, 2020

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced bars and restaurants will also be closing, limited only for drive-thru and delivery.

“It’s not lost on me that most of these are small businesses,” Beshear said at a Monday press conference announcing the closures, adding that in some cases owners have put their entire life savings into opening their business. “We’re going to do everything we can to be there for you. I realize the impact it’s going to have but we have to take the steps to make sure that we are protecting our people.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) also announced she will be calling for a temporary ban on bars and restaurants. Whitmer made the announcement in an appearance on Fox 2 Detroit, and further details are expected to be released later Monday, with the closures reportedly going into effect starting at 3 p.m.

Other states, including Ohio and Illinois, have implemented similar restaurant and bar closures, while other cities and states have put in place restrictions and limitations on the number of people allowed in establishments.

Dozens of states have put in place statewide school closures, including in Connecticut. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said he is likely to announce Monday he’s ordering all schools shut down, NJ.com reports.