(3/16/2020) - Michigan theaters, bars, and casinos and restaurants are being forced to close for two weeks at 3 p.m. Monday under a new order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Restaurants, cafes, coffee houses and bars must close their dining rooms and will be limited to offering carry-out or delivery service only. They may allow five people inside at a time to pick up orders and they must stand 6 feet apart.

Distilleries, clubs, movie theaters, performance venues, gymnasiums, fitness centers, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities, exercise studios, spas and casinos all must close.

Whitmer warned liquor license holders that failure to abide by the order could result in them losing their licenses. She said the order will remain in effect for at least two weeks until 11:59 p.m. March 30.

The following businesses and public establishments are allowed to remain open: office buildings, grocery stores, markets, food pantries, pharmacies, drug stores, and providers of medical equipment and supplies, health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, juvenile justice facilities, warehouse and distribution centers, and industrial and manufacturing facilities.

“We need to move quickly to slow the spread of the virus and protect public health,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan's chief medical executive. “I realize these actions will present temporary changes to the way we live, but they are critical to help ensure our health care system is prepared to treat those who need the most urgent medical care.”

Coronavirus symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness, fever, cough and shortness of breath. The best ways to prevent coronavirus and other viruses include:

-- Washing hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.

-- Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

-- Covering to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

-- Avoiding contact with sick people and staying home when ill.

-- Replace handshakes with elbow bumps.

-- Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.