The Keg is closing all of its restaurants across Canada, effective Tuesday.

The Canadian steakhouse chain will close its more than 160 locations across North America for at least two weeks in response to the growing COVID-19 outbreak.

CEO David Aisenstat and president Nick Dean called it a "difficult but important" decision.

An Important Message from Our CEO and President. pic.twitter.com/4T4DvqfRUh

— Keg Steakhouse + Bar (@TheKeg) March 17, 2020

Aisenstat and Dean said, "We look forward to reopening our doors when it is safe for you and our staff alike. We already can’t wait to celebrate your next visit. But in the meantime, stay safe and take care."

The Keg also promised that the restaurant would provide resources to minimize the "financial burden" of the 10,000 employees that are now out of work, although it is unclear what exactly these resources are.

Fellow Canadian restaurant chains Cactus Club Cafe and Earls Restaurants have also shut down operations, while a number of major retail stores have done the same.