The administration of Governor Janet Mills has announced a curfew for businesses in Maine as cases of coronavirus continue to rise in the state.

The Mills administration on Thursday announced that all outdoor and indoor amusement venues, movie theaters, performing arts venues, casinos, and businesses that provide seated food and drink service, including social clubs, restaurants, and bars and tasting rooms currently open for outdoor service, will close for the night by 9:00 P.M. That begins Friday and goes through Sunday, December 6th.

“This targeted and temporary step will reduce extended gatherings while keeping the businesses open,” said Governor Mills. “Other steps may be necessary in the coming weeks if we do not get this virus under control. I ask all Maine people, please wear your face covering, wash your hands, watch your distance and avoid hosting or attending gatherings with friends and loved ones unless it is absolutely necessary.”

The announcement came the same day the state CDC reported another 215 cases of coronavirus and one death.

“Every part of Maine is seeing community transmission,” said Dr. Nirav D. Shah, Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “Each of us can help limit further spread of the virus by considering how our actions affect others. Extended gatherings provide an opportunity for the virus to infect others. At this time of year, those others are more likely to be loved ones. By adjusting or delaying our shared celebrations, we deny the virus that opportunity and demonstrate our respect and care for others.”