The Mitchell City Council last night approved an emergency ordinance to authorize a city-wide shutdown. The measure was taken to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. The shutdown goes into effect on Friday. Mitchell’s shutdown will close many types of businesses including restaurants, bars, coffeehouses, clubs, cafes, movie theaters, recreational facilities, bowling alleys, and casinos. The ordinance does not have a specific time frame. The council and mayor could call a meeting at any time to repeal the ordinance. Violators of the ordinance would be fined $500 and could be sentenced to 30 days in jail.