Coronavirus CT: Restaurant, Bar To Close

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday the closing of bars and restaurants — except for takeout and delivery — as Connecticut tries to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

Connecticut joined New York and New Jersey in closing all bars, restaurants, casinos, gyms, movie theaters and more starting at 8 p.m. Monday. New Canaan already issued a coronavirus restaurant ban that prevents patrons from dining in.

On Sunday night, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Americans should limit themselves to groups of 50 people or less for the next two months and Lamont said he will add that language to an executive order he expects to issue Monday.

"We’re working on additional actions," Lamont said late Sunday.

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Health officials said the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is by washing your hands and practicing social distancing.

Most schools in Connecticut were already closed as of Monday. Lamont issued an executive order closing Connecticut schools from March 17 to March 31. (Coronavirus CT: Lamont Closes Schools Until At Least March 31).

Connecticut coronavirus cases hit 26 over the weekend with the announcement of six new cases. The virus has reached all of the state's counties except Tolland, Windham and New London.

Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton announced Monday morning that Danbury Hospital will launch their mobile test site for COVID-19.

"You must have a prescription and an appointment to be tested," Boughton said. "Please call 203-739-4344 for an appointment."

Major grocery stores, including Stop & Shop and Big Y, changed hours to give employees more time to stock shelves as people load up on supplies in case they're homebound for an extended period of time. (Coronavirus CT: Top Grocery Stores Amend Hours, Services).

Metro North said it's keeping trains running on a normal schedule.

"We're here to help nurses, doctors, child care workers, first responders, transit workers and essential staff of New York and Connecticut get to where they need to be," Metro-North said in a statement.

Connecticut State Police announced some changes in response to coronavirus.

"Connecticut State Police Headquarters located at 1111 Country Club Rd., Middletown will only be allowing 15 customers in the building at a time," police said in a statement. "We are limiting the number of individuals in the building in efforts to keep the spreading of COVID-19."

In the media, longtime WTNH News 8 reporter Mark Davis, who covers the Capitol, announced he was taking a leave of absence.

"I am taking an immediate and indefinite leave of absence because I cannot work and keep the social distancing recommended for those in my age group," Davis tweeted Sunday.

Secretary of State Denise Merrill responded, "Mark: as someone in the same demographic I relate. Be well and come back strong. We’ll get through this."

Here is a review of the top stories concerning Connecticut and coronavirus:

Coronavirus CT: Lamont Closes Schools Until At Least March 31

On Sunday six more positive tests of the new coronavirus were reported in Connecticut, which brings the total number of cases to 26.>>>Read More.

Coronavirus CT: Top Grocery Stores Amend Hours, Services

Three Connecticut grocery store chains, Stop & Shop, ShopRite and Big Y have announced major changes due to coronavirus concerns.>>>Read More.

Coronavirus In CT: Pharmacists Can Make, Sell Hand Sanitizer

One of Gov. Lamont's executive orders allows licensed pharmacists to make and sell hand sanitizer under strict guidelines approved Sunday.>>>Read More.