Albany, N.Y. ― New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today that all casinos, gyms, movie theaters, bars and restaurants in the state will shut down starting at 8 p.m. tonight.

The businesses will remain closed until further notice as the state continues to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Essential businesses like supermarkets, gas stations and pharmacies will remain open.

Restaurants and bars will be closed for dine-in service, but allowed to continue takeout after tonight.

The state is also barring all gatherings of 50 or more people.

Cuomo strongly advised all non-essential businesses to close, not just the specific ones outlined today. That’s not mandatory yet, but it could be, he said.

Cuomo made the announcement on business closings in conjunction with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont. The three states agreed to the new business rules in tandem.

Cuomo and Lamont both said they are also urging the Native American casinos in their states to close. They said there are legal and jurisdictional issues surrounding whether the states can force those casinos to shut down.

The Oneida Indian Nation said it will temporarily close all three of its casinos starting today at 5 p.m. That includes Turning Stone Resort Casino, Point Place Casino and Yellow Brick Road Casino. Other casinos announced closings as well.

All three governors said they wanted the federal government to take the lead on topics like school and business closings. They decided to act regionally instead when that didn’t happen.

Cuomo has been calling for more federal help with the coronavirus response for several days.

“The federal government has to step up,” he said. “They have been behind from day one on this issue.”

A coordinated policy among the three states will help the closings be more effective, Cuomo said. With all three agreeing to the same rules, patrons won’t simply be able to cross state lines to visit businesses that remain open elsewhere.

The governors also said they plan to coordinate on when the affected businesses will reopen.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

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