Brooklyn Boro

Coronavirus outbreak: Gyms, casinos and movie theaters to close indefinitely

March 16, 2020 Scott Enman
coronavirus cobble hill cinemas
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With little federal guidance, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced a regional approach to fighting the COVID-19 coronavirus emergency on Monday with a renewed focus on social distancing.

The trio of governors said that starting at 8 p.m. tonight, all gyms, casinos and movie theaters in the tri-state area would close temporarily due to the outbreak.

As of Monday, there were 463 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in New York City and 950 across the New York State. Seven people have died statewide, including a woman in Brooklyn.

Related: New York City’s public school system shut down by coronavirus

In addition, all restaurants and bars will close on-site service, and move to take out and delivery only. Restaurants will receive a waiver allowing them to sell carryout alcohol.

Lastly, all recreational gatherings will be limited to 50 people beginning 8 p.m. Monday.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

“Our primary goal right now is to slow the spread of this virus so that the wave of new infections doesn’t crash our healthcare system, and everyone agrees social distancing is the best way to do that,” Cuomo said.

“This is not a war that can be won alone, which is why New York is partnering with our neighboring states to implement a uniform standard that not only keeps our people safe but also prevents ‘state shopping’ where residents of one state travel to another and vice versa. I have called on the federal government to implement nationwide protocols, but in their absence, we are taking this on ourselves.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio was one of many New Yorkers who got in a last-minute workout at his gym, the Park Slope YMCA.

Related: Cuomo warns coronavirus ‘wave’ threatens hospitals, calls for federal help

Cobble Hill Cinemas was one of several movie theaters that was already shuttered before the 8 p.m. deadline.

On Monday morning, the marquee read, “Temporarily Closed. We’ll see you soon.”

Follow reporter Scott Enman on Twitter.

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