The governor’s order has been extended until May 29, with a new name: The Stay-Safe-Ohio order. Changes have been made to account for businesses that will be permitted to reopen throughout the month. This includes the ability for Ohioans to travel to retail businesses when they reopen.
Gov. DeWine and Lt. Gov. Husted both stressed that they are moving to a new phase, with less focus on “essential” and “non-essential.” Citizens will be permitted to take place in activities at businesses now permitted to open, despite whether the activity is a necessity, so long as the businesses practice social distancing guidelines.
Under the order signed Thursday the following activity is permitted:
- Small gatherings of under 10 people remain permitted, so long as social distancing is followed.
- Beginning May 1: Non-essential surgeries and procedures that typically don’t require an inpatient or overnight stay.
- Beginning May 2: Retail stores that will restrict their operations to curbside pickup, delivery or appointment-only (limited to 10 customers at any one time) may reopen. Citizens will be permitted to shop for non-essential items.
- Beginning May 4: Manufacturing, distribution and construction businesses can resume operation.
- Beginning May 4: General office environments that were ordered to cease all activites are permitted to reopen. Businesses should strongly encourage as many employees as possible to work from home. This includes university offices.
- Beginning May 12: Retail stores may reopen completely. Citizens will be permitted to shop for non-essential items.
The following businesses and operations will remain closed:
- Schools
- Restaurants and bars (with exception of carry-out and delivery)
- Hair salons, day spas, nail salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, body piercing, tanning facilities, massage therapy and like businesses
- Adult day support or vocational habilitation services in congregate setting
- Adult day care services and senior centers
- Child care services (with exception of those with temporary pandemic licenses)
- Entertainment, Recreation and Gyms
- Gov. DeWine says he is working with leaders in many of these industries, like restaurants and salons, to figure out under what circumstances they could safely reopen.
Ohioans can travel for the following reasons:
- Any travel to businesses and operations that are permitted to be open
- Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons
- Travel to or from educational institutions for purpose of receiving materials for distance learning, receiving meals or other related services.
- Travel to return to a place of residence outside the jurisdiction
- Travel required by law enforcement or court order, including transporting children for custody agreements
- Travel for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the state
All businesses must follow these guidelines where possible:
- Designate six-foot distances with signage, tape or other means for employees or customers in line
- Hand sanitizer and sanitizing products available for customers and employees
- Separate operating hours for elderly and vulnerable customers
TO READ THE COMPLETE ORDER CLICK HERE
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