In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus)—the highly contagious disease that has now claimed the lives of eight Floridians—Gov. Ron DeSantis this morning announced that bars and nightclubs throughout the state should close for at least 30 days, and that restaurants should operate at half capacity during that same time period. Other states—including New York, New Jersey, Ohio, California and Pennsylvania—instituted similar measures earlier this week.

Several local restaurants had already started to adopt new ways of operating before the governor's order this morning. Tableseide Restaurant Group—which owns Libby's, Lemon Tree Kitchen and Oak & Stone, among other restaurants—began offering family-style meals for pick-up or delivery service earlier this week. The Rosemary District's Artisan Cheese Company said it is no longer offering dining-in options, but will offer curbside pick-up for customers wanting to purchase pantry staples, and is looking into the possibility of delivery next week.

This is a developing story; stay tuned for more coverage.