Coronavirus: 80 Million Americans In Lockdown

As of Friday March 20th, new lockdown orders affecting 80 million Americans went into effect in the states of New York, Illinois, and Connecticut joined earlier lockdown measures in Washington and California.

Rules differ by state but many of the largest states in America have moved to heavy restrictions on “non-essential” gatherings and travel. Public spaces like restaurants, bars, gyms, and movie theaters are closing to contain the spread of the virus, and many states are banning gatherings of over 10 people.

Travel to work is still permitted for the time being, and essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open, but it is unclear if restaurants will remain open to serve delivery and takeout meals.

With over 25% of Americans now under some form of travel restriction, the economic cost of these lockdowns remains to be seen. It is likely in the coming weeks that more states will follow with lockdown and restrictions of their own, as the coronavirus outbreak spreads like wildfire.