Gov. Tom Wolf has called for nonessential businesses to close for two weeks in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As of Monday afternoon, the Department of Health has reported 76 positive cases of the illness statewide. Monroe County now has eight, and there are currently zero reported cases in Carbon and Schuylkill counties.

During a press conference on Monday, Wolf said the closures will apply to bars and restaurants with the exception of takeout.

It also includes facilities and programs for seniors which are open during the day.

“I anticipate this to continue for two weeks but we will be constantly reevaluating and we will lift the mitigation efforts as soon as possible. We need to eliminate as many physical contacts as we can to eliminate the further spread of COVID-19. We need to work together to do this, each and every one of us,”

Grocery stores, medical facilities and trash collection are to remain open.

The governor announced that he would extend the mitigation ban which is in effect in multiple counties in the Philadelphia area.

He said the governors of New York, Connecticut and Ohio have imposed similar restrictions.

At Monday’s press conference, health officials announced that the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the state has increased to 76. Another 670 people have tested negative.

Some 24-hour grocery stores have announced temporary closures during the overnight hours to clean and restock. The Giant and Walmart stores in Lehighton have announced they will close during the overnight hours. Walmart is scheduled to close at 11 p.m. and reopen at 6 a.m. Giant will close at midnight and reopen at 6 a.m.

Late last week, Wolf ordered public schools to close for two weeks starting Monday. Public libraries are also closed.

Wolf was asked specifically on Monday about daycare centers and the state’s casinos -- he said that he has asked them to close as well.

He didn’t specify how the ban on non-essential businesses would be enforced.

When asked about race tracks in Central Pa. which held races over the weekend, Wolf said he would not force them to cancel events. Rather, he appealed to residents to think of their fellow citizens who could be more seriously affected by the virus.

“People will be making decisions what to do with their lives - what we ought to do is not think of what should we do in terms of what the law is - but what should we do in terms of our fellow citizens, and that’s what I would say to the folks at the racecourse,” Wolf said.