Above: Drive-thru coronavirus testing in Secaucus.

ASBURY PARK — To curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the city joined a growing number of New Jersey municipalities that are setting curfews on bars, restaurants and event venues.

Asbury Park bars and restaurants must close by 10 p.m. beginning Sunday, according to a news release from Asbury Park officials.

Places that can hold 75 or more patrons — such as hotel lobbies, event venues and retail stores — must also close by 10 p.m., according to the announcement.

On Sunday Asbury Park’s emergency management coordinator declared a "State of Local Disaster Emergency" within the city, according to municipal officials. State law empowers emergency management coordinators to enforce orders that are designed to protect health and safety after such declarations.

City facilities — including the municipal building, court, public library, public works and senior center — are also closed to the public in response to the spreading virus.

"City Hall will continue to operate and be responsive to resident needs through phone and online communications," Asbury Park officials said in a news release. "All essentials services will continue to operate."

Information and updates will be available on the city's website, at www.cityofasburypark.com/covidpreparations.

To the north, Hoboken has taken more extreme measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. On Saturday, the city closed all bars and daycare centers. Restaurants were barred from serving patrons in their dining rooms and could only sell take-out. Jersey City, too, has taken action by canceling events and imposing a curfew to slow the spread, according to NJTV.

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Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers Brick, Barnegat and Lacey townships as well as the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than a decade. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.