Coronavirus: What to do if you think your employer isn’t complying with state order

OHIO — Ohio’s stay at home order is now in effect, meaning only essential businesses can operate.

Our newsroom has been flooded with calls from people who say their place of employment is still open, yet they don’t believe the work should be classified as essential. Others are saying they aren’t practicing social distancing.

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“Don’t call 911. I talked with one of our mayors today and they said we’re getting 911 calls, so that’s not good. We want to keep 911 open for anyone who has emergencies,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “People you can reach out to the local health department to get some guidance.”

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The governor is not looking for a lot of citations to be issued to businesses. He said he hopes they comply on their own, and if they do not qualify as an essential business outlined in his order, they will be in violation.

Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl said if people aren’t using appropriate judgement to stay at home, the department will advise them on how to properly follow the new guidelines.

Repeat violators could be summoned to appear in court, he said in a statement.

Here’s how to contact your local health department:

Public Health Dayton-Montgomery County: 937-225-6217

Greene County Public Health: (937) 374-5600

Warren County Combined Health District: (513) 695-1228

Darke County Health Department: (937) 548-4196

Clark County Health District: (937) 390-5600

Champaign County Health District: (937) 484-1605

Logan County Health District: (937) 592-9040

Auglaize County Health Department: (419) 738-3410

Shelby County Health Department: (937) 498-7249