UPDATED: Montgomery County limits restaurants to take-out and delivery, forces bars, clubs, gyms and movie theaters to close

Updated 5:30 p.m. March 18

Montgomery County has updated its guidelines on restaurants and other businesses set to go into effect at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 19.

According to a tweet from the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, all restaurants will be expected to cease on-site dining, but can continue to offer to-go, takeout, delivery and catering services from March 19 until April 2. The countywide update states bars, clubs, gyms, movie theaters and "amusement-type" businesses must remain closed during that time.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY JUDGE MARK KEOUGH AMENDS RESTAURANT GUIDELINES pic.twitter.com/UVoQ4qCCC6

— Montgomery County OHSEM (@MCOEM) March 18, 2020

In addition, the order states that events greater than 10 people at public facilities are prohibited, while events at private facilities are urged to cancel. Retail stores, private businesses, civic organizations and religious organizations are also urged to comply with Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines suggesting no more than 10 people gather at any one place at a time.

Meghan Arthur, public information officer for the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said the 10-person guideline includes employees, and day cares are among the businesses asked to comply with CDC guidelines.

Grocery stores and medical suppliers are exempt from the guidelines, the order states.

Published March 17

Due to the ongoing coronavirus, Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough issued an order March 17 limiting restaurants in the county to a total occupancy of 50 people at any given time until April 1, according to a press release.

The order also requires bars or clubs to be limited to 50 people at a time and movie theaters to be limited to 25 people per screen. Tables must be set 10 feet apart, as well. However, restaurants may continue takeout, delivery and catering services.

The order is effective March 17 at 3 p.m.

Harris County officials issued a similar proclamation March 16 limiting all restaurants to only takeout or delivery services.