UPDATE: Michigan’s governor orders all bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, more to close amid coronavirus outbreak

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will order all bars and restaurants in the state of Michigan to shut down their dine-in services in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

A spokesperson confirmed the information Monday after Whitmer spoke with a TV station about it. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II tweeted the temporary shut-down would go into effect starting at 3 p.m.

Effective at 3PM, we are temporarily shutting down bars, restaurants, and other establishments to prevent the spread of COVID-19. https://t.co/S2L7qXI7DH — Garlin Gilchrist II (@LtGovGilchrist) March 16, 2020

The governor previously ordered all K-12 schools closed and banned gatherings of over 250 to limit community spread of the infectious respiratory disease. State officials confirmed 53 total cases of people who tested positive for coronavirus as of March 15.

Whitmer’s order also comes after the governor declared a state of emergency. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency over the coronavirus outbreak, which was also designated as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization.

Meanwhile, three of Michigan’s most populated counties also ordered bars and restaurants to reduce capacity.

Washtenaw County County Health Officer Jimena Loveluck issued an emergency order Sunday night to reduce the number of people crowding into bars, restaurants and gyms. Kent County and Oakland County released similar public health orders reducing the capacity for public spaces amid the coronavirus pandemic.

PREVENTION TIPS

Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:

What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:

· Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

· Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).

· It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.

MORE:

Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus

Washtenaw County orders bars, restaurants, gyms to reduce occupancy amid outbreak

Kalamazoo County facilities close to the public as coronavirus spreads in Michigan

Sunday, March 15: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Coronavirus has Michigan pursuing temporary closure of casinos, governor says

Timeline of coronavirus in Michigan: How did we get here?

With one coronavirus case on each campus, UM and MSU urge students to go home

Ann Arbor YMCA extends closure, moves childcare services amid coronavirus spread