New York [US], Mar 16 : New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti have ordered the closure of all movie theatres in their respective cities in a bid to combat the spread of coronavirus.
All nightclubs, movie theatres, small theatre houses and concert venues will remain closed while restaurants will be limited to takeout and delivery, reported Deadline.
De Blasio made the announcement on Twitter on Monday.
"Our lives are all changing in ways that were unimaginable just a week ago. We are taking a series of actions that we never would have taken otherwise in an effort to save the lives of loved ones and our neighbours. Now it is time to take yet another drastic step," he said.
"The virus can spread rapidly through the close interactions New Yorkers have in restaurants, bars and places where we sit close together. We have to break that cycle. Tomorrow, I will sign an Executive Order limiting restaurants, bars and cafes to food take-out and delivery," he added.
Los Angeles Mayor too took to Twitter to share precautionary actions to combat the spread of the virus.
"Let me be very clear: gathering in big groups puts lives at risk. We need everyone to stay home as much as possible, avoid being in crowds, practice social distancing. Taking these steps will help keep our hospitals and healthcare workers from being inundated with COVID-19 cases," the tweet read.
In New York City, the order of the demand of the closure will go in effect by Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00 AM (local time).
( With inputs from ANI )