Monitoring Desk
NEW YORK: A US state started restricting residents’ movements Monday in a desperate bid to contain the deadly coronavirus pandemic as American cities followed their European counterparts and shut down — closing schools, public buildings, cinemas, restaurants and bars.
As the death toll in the United States from the fast-spreading outbreak neared 70 and infections soared above 3,700, New Jersey’s governor announced he was implementing a curfew, marking a major escalation in attempts to stop the spread of the outbreak.
“Effective tonight, all other non-essential retail, recreational, and entertainment businesses MUST CLOSE after 8:00 PM,” Governor Phil Murphy said.
“All non-essential and non-emergency travel in New Jersey is strongly discouraged between the hours of 8:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
“This will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. We want everyone to be home — and not out,” he added. Before the announcement, only the US territory of Puerto Rico had imposed a curfew.
