LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered that all restaurants and bars be closed to dine-in customers, effective at 3 p.m. Monday, to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The businesses can stay open for takeout and delivery. A Whitmer spokeswoman said more details will be released soon.
The state reported 20 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday, bringing the Michigan total to 53. Included in the new positive tests is the first child in the state, a boy in Oakland County, and the first in Ottawa County west of Grand Rapids.
Whitmer has declared a state emergency, closed all schools and prohibited gatherings of more than 250 people. She said Sunday she saw "incredibly disturbing" photos on social media of patrons still cramming into establishments and not observing social distancing amid a global pandemic.
She hinted then at moving to restrict operations at bars and restaurants.
Illinois, Ohio, Washington state and New York City are among the places to order bars to close and restaurants to stop dine-in service.
For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The disease has infected over 169,000 people worldwide, and more than 6,500 people have died so far.
DTE Energy and Consumers Energy said they were suspending utility shutoffs for low-income people behind on bills through April 5.
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