Pritzker orders all Illinois bars and restaurants close for two weeks

Gov. JB Pritzker ordered Sunday that Illinois bars and restaurants close to the public for at least two weeks to control the new coronavirus pandemic.

The closures will begin at the end of business Monday and run through March 30.

The news comes as the number of confirmed cases in Illinois rose to 93 on Sunday in 13 counties.

“The time for persuasion and public appeals is over,” Pritzker said. “The time for action is here. This is not a joke.”

Pritzker criticized bars and restaurants for hosting large crowds on Saturday for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

“This may seem like an extreme step, but this is how we reduce the number of new cases and prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the state’s public health director.

Some businesses may stay open for delivery or drive-thru service, Pritzker said.

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