Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim has ordered all essential businesses to close by 8 p.m. as a way to decrease the amount of people gathering at them.

The new order will apply to bodegas and variety stores that are typically open until the early morning hours.

Ganim says there will also be a greater police presence across the city to impose the curfew.

 

He says there will be signs at intersections and highway exit ramps to tell residents to stay at home.

Parks and playgrounds have already been closed and Ganim says pharmacies and grocery stores should already be closed by 8 p.m.

Ganim says orders that are already in place appear to be working.

There are 236 COVID-19 cases in Bridgeport. 

Mayor Ganim says he wants to build upon the closures as the state prepares for a surge in coronavirus cases.

The new curfew will take effect Wednesday.