Coronavirus: Major United States cities begin lockdown procedures

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has climbed to three thousand in America, and as a result, certain states and cities are beginning enter lockdown.

Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio, Washington, Los Angeles, and New York City have restricted restaurants and cafés to takeout and delivery only, while they have shuttered bars and pubs for the rest of the month.

California has closed all nightclubs, bars and wineries, and Los Angeles itself has closed down gyms and cinemas.

In a statement, the mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, said: "This is not a decision I make lightly. These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality."

Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot said of the Illinois lockdown: "We saw people engaging in very foolish conduct, it's not just the fact that people were congregating in bars against CDC guidance but we saw people engaging in very risky behavior such as sharing drinks, or sharing flasks, and all the lines."

Meanwhile, in Ireland, there are a growing number of pubs, bars and restaurants deciding to close down at least until March 29th.