Ohio to extend stay-at-home order until May 1
Updated April 8, 2020
Governor Mike DeWine announced Thursday, April 2 that Ohio’s current stay-at-home order, initially set to expire the evening of Monday, March 6, would be extended until May 1. The updated order, issued by Dr. Amy Acton, the Director of the Ohio Department of Health, will include stricter regulations in an attempt to further fight the COVID-19 crisis. For example, retailers are now required to establish the number of people who should be in the business at one time, individuals travelling into Ohio will be requested to quarantine themselves for 14 days with limited exceptions, all public swimming pools and swimming pools at private clubs are required to close, and all organized youth sporting events are cancelled.
Governor DeWine announced the establishment of a Dispute Resolution Commission will judge and make decisions about businesses that have remained open as essential businesses. The creation of the commission comes after concerns that some individuals and businesses are skirting the rules and not adhering to social distancing orders despite the Ohio Department of Health’s initial stay-at-home order. Under the stay at home order local health departments have the authority to answer questions regarding the governor’s order. The commission, appointed by the Director of Health, shall review any guidance provided by a local health department when it conflicts with a determination issued by a different local health department and will make a determination as to the application of the Governor’s order to the conflict.
Additionally, Governor DeWine announced the creation of an economic advisory board, stating “just as we have looked to [medical] experts to help us through this crisis, we’re also looking to [economy] experts as we move forward.” The board will assist Governor DeWine and his administration work through the economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new order went into effect at 12 a.m. on Monday, April 6 and will expire at 11:59 p.m., May 1.
For more information on what businesses are considered “essential” in each state, please reference our article, Navigating a stay-at-home order: Is your business non-essential?
