Los Angeles restaurants grapple with restrictions

Restaurant managers in Los Angeles grappled with how to operate their businesses Monday after officials called for sweeping measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered all bars, wineries, nightclubs and brewpubs to close. Restaurants may remain open but can serve only half as many as their maximum occupancy to create space between diners.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti imposed even stricter requirements. Restaurants may only offer pickup, delivery and drive-through service. He also closed gyms, movie theaters, bowling alleys and arcades.

"We are worried about staying open, a lot of the sit down restaurants, it's a tragedy what's happening to a lot of people getting laid off," said Stephen Porto, who manages Uncle Paulie's Restaurant.

Newsom on Sunday urged the state's 5.3 million people who are 65 and older and those with chronic health conditions to isolate to protect themselves from the virus.

The disease for most people causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some, particularly older people or those with underlying health conditions, it can cause more severe illness.