Ohio Issues 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus

Patch
·4 min read

This article originally appeared on the Cleveland Patch

COLUMBUS, OH — State officials issued a "stay-at-home" order for Ohioans on Sunday. Gov. Mike DeWine also announced that only essential businesses will be allowed to remain open moving further. The order goes into effect on Monday at 11:59 p.m. and will remain in effect until at least April 6.

A list of businesses deemed essential by state officials is below. Any companies allowed to remain open will need to follow appropriate cleaning and healthcare protocols. The state determined what qualified as an essential business using Homeland Security guidance. Companies being ordered to close will be able to maintain minimum basic operations.

"Today is the day we have to batten down the hatches," Dr. Amy Acton said on Sunday. She then added, "There is no time left. Listen to what Italy is telling us."

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What is an essential business?

According to the new order, essential businesses include the following: stores that sell groceries and medicine; food, beverage and licensed marijuana production and agriculture; organization providing charitable services; religious entities; media; gas stations and businesses needed for transportation; financial and insurance institutions; hardware and supply stores; mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery and pick-up services; educational institutions; laundry services; restaurants (only allowed to do carry-out and delivery); stores that sell supplies for working from home; stores that sell supplies for essential businesses; funeral services; hotels and motels; manufacture, distribution and supply chain for essential businesses; critical labor unions; residential facilities and shelters; transportation and home-based care and services.

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In addition to the new guidance on what essential businesses are, the guidelines for daycares will shift to prevent COVID-19's spread. Only six children will be allowed to group together in a room. Daycares will also need to apply for a special permit to remain open during the pandemic.

DeWine is also asking state legislators to forego testing for Ohio school children this year. There are now more than 350 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, in Ohio. The state pharmacy board has also passed restrictions on the dispensing of malaria medication.

Sunday's COVID-19 Numbers

There are 83 Ohioans hospitalized because of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, the state health department announced Sunday. Ohio officials said at least 351 residents have been infected by the virus.

Officials said testing capacity for COVID-19 is limited, which means there may be far more than 350 Ohioans infected by the virus. Gov. Mike DeWine said Saturday that community spread is "widespread" in Ohio. He said additional state mandates will be issued soon, and urged Ohioans to only venture outside their house if it is "absolutely necessary."

The number of COVID-19 deaths in Ohio did not change between Saturday and Sunday, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

DeWine is slated to speak at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Patch will update this article with the governor's comments.

Safety Tips

Ohioans are being urged to practice social distancing — limiting their exposure to other people — until the outbreak slows. Health officials said Ohioans should follow many of the same health and safety tips they practice during flu season to help halt the spread of the new coronavirus:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

The Ohio Department of Health's COVID-19 call center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at 833-4-ASK-ODH (833-427-5634). Workers will answer any questions about the virus and the state's response.

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