Illinois, Ohio Governors Close Restaurants Statewide

Both Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, announced Sunday afternoon that all restaurants across both states would close to dine-in customers in a more forceful effort to confront the spread of Coronavirus.

Importantly, officials in both states reiterated that delivery and drive-through options would remain open to meet increased demand from consumers.

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/487684-illinois-ohio-closing-all-bars-restaurants-in-response-to-coronavirus

As more and more people nationwide do their part to limit the spread of the virus, social distancing measures have resulted in a dramatic increase in demand for food delivery.

According to recent data from Edison Trends, spending on food delivery in the U.S. since Feb. 24 has seen week over week growth. To meet demand and assuage fears from consumers, food delivery companies are taking unprecedented steps to meet demand and keep consumers safe. Most major players are now offering contactless delivery options to limit possible interaction between food delivery couriers and consumers.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/food-deliverys-big-coronavirus-test-can-it-deliver-11584291600

Importantly, the FDA has been adamant that, “there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19.” Food delivery remains a safe and socially responsible practice. As long as contactless delivery methods are available, there is minimal risk, and consumers should feel confident as they continue to use third-party delivery.

https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions#food

Simply leaving explicit instructions to couriers about where to drop off food and then washing hands thoroughly after retrieving the food delivery package ensure that food delivery remains a safe option.

Additionally, Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoot, announced that the city will enforce stricter restrictions on bars saying in a tweet, “As part of the City's efforts to keep residents safe and healthy, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and the Chicago Police Department (CPD) are enforcing all business establishments that sell liquor to have less than half of their regular max capacity. Additionally, any establishments that sell liquor will have a max capacity of 100 persons.”

Expect to see other cities and states nationwide to follow suit.