KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — While there have been no orders to shut down bars and restaurants in Knoxville, some owners are taking their own steps to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Right now, leaders are recommending that people not gather in groups of 10 or more to limit exposing others to sickness.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon is encouraging restaurants to do more carry out and delivery instead of dining in.
Big chains like Chick-fil-A have already suspended dining room seating.
Bojangles will also close its dining rooms across all restaurants, and will offer only to-go only options, including drive-thru service, takeout and delivery where available.
Barleys in the Old CIty has suspended in-house dining but their full menu will be available for curbside carry-out service.
Some popular local bars are closing their doors.
Scott and Bernadette West announced Tuesday they would be closing their downtown Knoxville bars for now.
RELATED: List of cancellations, closings in Knoxville and East Tennessee due to coronavirus concerns
"With today's heightened level of coronavirus concerns, the new directives from the federal government, the latest CDC guidelines, and our own concerns for the safety of our staff and our Scruffy City family, we are closing Preservation Pub, Scruffy City Hall, The Lost Tavern and Tommy Trent's Sports Saloon for an indefinite period," they said in an email.
Boyd's Jig and Reel in the Old CIty is also shutting down after allowing people to pick up to-go food orders on Tuesday from noon until 9 p.m.
"It is with a heavy heart, that we are announcing the temporary closing of Jig and Reel. While this is not how we planned on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, we do feel as if this is the best decision for the safety of our customers, staff, and community."
While we won't be able to list all of them here, it's worth checking with your favorite local places to see what their plans are.
This will be very tough economically for many of those business owners and their employees.
Both state and federal government leaders have said they are working on ways to help those impacted by not being able to work or pay their bills, but those plans have not been finalized.
If you can help out by picking up carryout or ordering delivery, local leaders are encouraging people to do that. Others recommend buying gift cards at your favorite local places that you can use later.