RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Ralph Northam and State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver, MD, MA issued a public health emergency order Tuesday prohibiting more than 10 patrons in restaurants, fitness centers and theaters.
The order gives local and state law enforcement the ability to enforce this ban, which Northam announced earlier Tuesday when he announced there are now 67 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state.
“I hope that everyone will have the common sense to stay home tonight and in the days ahead,” the governor said. “This order will ensure that state and local officials have the tools they need to keep people safe."
Earlier Tuesday, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order that says all restaurants and bars must close to dine-in customers in hopes that this will slow the spread of coronavirus.
The order for North Carolina went into effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday, but takeout and delivery orders are still an option. There is still no word on when restaurants and bars will reopen to the public.
Read the full order here.
