New restrictions for restaurants and bars were announced Monday in the wake of coronavirus outbreak in Connecticut.

As of 8 p.m. Monday night, restaurants can only offer delivery or curbside pickup.

The staff at Chip's Family restaurant in Fairfield said they're sad to hear about the new restrictions but hope taking action now will help them reopen sooner than later.

Gov. Ned Lamont says small businesses affected by the outbreak are now eligible for disaster relief loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The order to close bars comes just one day before St. Patrick's Day – what is considered by many to be one of the busiest bar days of the year.

Oliver O'Neill, the owner of O'Neill's Irish Pub in South Norwalk said while the timing of the ban may be gloomy, it did not come as a surprise.

He said while for some customers the bar was a welcome respite, he expected the order to close bars would happen.

However, he will have the kitchen open. People can wait in the parking lot and pick up take out corned beef and cabbage.

O’Neill said that for now he is trying to stay positive and looks forward to a big celebration when the crisis is over.

“That's going to be our No. 1 concern, keep them on board while this is happening,” O’Neill added.

As many workers in bars rely on tips, O'Neil said he is focused on supporting his workers.