Unprecedented Situation as 32 US States Order School Closures and Suspend All Businesses Except Pharmacies and Grocery Stores

New York Theaters and Performance Venues Suspend Operations

LA Pharmacies and Grocery Stores Exempted from Business Closures

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Thirty-two states including New York have issued school closure orders to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In some cities such as New York City and Los Angeles (LA), businesses such as bars and restaurants will temporarily close, except for grocery stores and pharmacies.

According to local media including CNBC on the 15th (local time), 32 states in the U.S. are simultaneously implementing long-term school closures. The details vary by state, but some closures are set to last until as late as April 19. The states issuing school closure orders include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, and others.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a school closure order for public schools from March 23 to April 19. Mayor de Blasio said, "We will use every means to resume normal classes by April 20," adding, "This is not a light decision, and we are facing an unprecedented risk, so we must respond with the resolve of a wartime situation." In addition to schools, starting at 9 a.m. on the 17th, theaters, nightclubs, and performance venues in New York will also be temporarily closed. Restaurants will only be allowed to offer takeout or delivery orders.

LA will also temporarily close bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues at least until March 31. Except for grocery stores and pharmacies, all other businesses in LA will be temporarily suspended.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended canceling public events with more than 50 participants for the next eight weeks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.