COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine says many of Ohio’s businesses will be able to open within the next two weeks. But one big new requirement will be masks for workers and customers.
Businesses that open up will need to employ safe business practices. pic.twitter.com/AQdH3kKeD7
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) April 27, 2020
Many nonessential surgeries and other medical procedures that don’t require an overnight hospital stay can begin again in Ohio starting Friday, along with dental and veterinarian practices, DeWine said Monday as he unveiled his “Responsible RestartOhio” plan.
That includes regular doctor visits, well-care checks, well-baby visits, out-patient surgeries, imaging procedures, and diagnostic tests, DeWine said.
Manufacturing, distribution and construction companies, and general offices can begin work again next Monday as long as they follow strict health and social distancing practices, though DeWine is urging companies to have employees work from home as much as possible.
“I can’t guarantee anybody’s safety,” he said. “But what we can do is do the things that we know will dramatically increase the odds for us.”
The plan is built on the foundation of reopening Ohio’s economy, brought to a standsstill by the coronavirus pandemic, without bringing on a resurgence of cases that would force a second shutdown.
DeWine says retail businesses can begin to reopen May 12 as long as employees wear face coverings, but DeWine offered no hint as to when other businesses might reopen or activities be allowed.
After first making face coverings mandatory for customers, he changed that to “recommended” after hearing from some people about the difficulties associated with wearing masks.
“Responsible RestartOhio” – safety/health guidelines
Requiring face coverings for all employees, and recommending them for clients and customers at all times
Conducting daily health assessments or self-evaluations of employees to determine if they should work
Maintaining good hygiene at all times such as hand washing and social distancing
Cleaning and sanitizing workplaces throughout the day and at the close of business or between shifts
Limiting capacity to meet social distancing guidelines
-Source: Ofc. of Gov. Mike DeWine
Schools have already been closed for the remainder of the academic year. Under his plan, daycares will remain closed.
“Responsible RestartOhio”
What’s open:
May 1 – Dentists’ and veterinarians’ offices
May 4 – Manufacturing, distribution, construction
General offices
May 12 – Retail stores and consumer services
What’s not
-Schools
-Daycares
-Restaurants
-Bars
-Salons
-Theaters
-Rec Centers
-Gyms
-Personal appearance/beauty
-Source: Ofc. of Gov. Mike DeWine
Dine-in restaurants and bars will also remain shuttered, though carryout is still permitted. No date was given for the reopening of personal appearance and beauty businesses, like hair and nail salons; theaters and other entertainment venues, recreation centers or gyms.
Adult daycare services and senior centers remain closed and the new plan does not allow adult day support or vocational rehabilitation services in group settings.
The “stay-at-home” order will remain in effect as well as a ban on large gatherings of more than 10 people.
The Columbus Symphony has canceled an appearance by Ben Folds scheduled for June 13 and has suspended the June 2020 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops, its annual outdoor summer series at the Columbus Commons.
The symphony is considering the possibility of presenting an abbreviated schedule beginning in July.
The 2020 Popcorn Pops, the CSO’s annual outdoor summer series for kids also held at the Columbus Commons, has also been suspended.
There are 16,325 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 753 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths.