COLUMBUS – In the face of a growing pandemic that may not peak in Ohio for another two to six weeks, the state’s health director has extended a “stay-at-home” directive which was scheduled to expire on Monday until at least May 1.
The state health department reported there were 2,902 cases of coronavirus in 75 of Ohio’s 88 counties with 81 deaths and Gov. Mike DeWine says Dr. Amy Acton’s best estimate of when the outbreak will peak in Ohio is sometime between April 15 and May 15.
“This is our best estimate, that things are certainly not going to be ready to go prior to May first,” he said.
Under the revised order, retailers that are allowed to remain open will also be required to establish a maximum number of customers that will be allowed in their store anyone time and post the number. Retail garden centers can remain open as long as they enforce a reduced capacity.
“We understand that this is tough, it is very difficult. But, I would not be making these decisions if it wasn’t a mater of life and death. We have to keep this monster down,” DeWine said. “It’s not dead; it’s very much alive.”
The order, signed by Dr. Amy Acton during Gov. Mike DeWine ‘s daily Statehouse news briefing, also requires anyone traveling or returning to Ohio from out-of-state to remain in isolation for two weeks. Exceptions are made for those who live and work in trans-border areas, health care, public health, public safety, transportation and other designated essential workers.
The amended order also creates a dispute resolution process, under which a panel of state officials would mediate when a business is deemed “essential” by one local health departments and similar business is not by another agency.
The new order limits wedding receptions to no more than 10 people and prohibits organized youth and adult sports.
It closes day camps for children, as well as campgrounds, except where a camper or recreational vehicle in a campground is someone’s permanent residence. Under the order, fishing is permitted if proper social distancing is practiced.
Public swimming pools and pools at private clubs or housing complexes will be closed, though not those at private homes.
DeWine announced the creation of his Economic Advisory Board that will help his administration work through the economic issues facing Ohio as the state looks toward the future. The pandemic has idled nearly a half million Ohio workers in only two weeks.