Governor Mike DeWine revealed the timeline for reopening Ohio. While offices and retail will be opening their doors soon, folks looking to dine in at a restaurant or get a haircut will have to wait a little bit longer.<\/p>\n
DeWine said the decision process involved keeping people safe and restarting the economy.<\/p>\n
“The idea that we can’t do two things at once in Ohio is crazy. We’re Ohioans, we can do two things at once. We can stay safe and move this economy forward.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The Governor admitted reopening is a risk. But he said, “There’s no easy decision. You have to balance all the things. It seemed the time that we could start down the pathway. We will be criticized by some that say we shouldn’t have opened up at all. Some will say we didn’t open up enough. I think we found the sweet spot. It’s a risk. I fully understand the risk.” Here’s the Big 3 topics to understand.<\/p>\n
The Timeline<\/h2>\n
May 1 – Healthcare Opening<\/h4>\n
DeWine said even though the PPE supply is not exactly where he would like it, Ohio’s healthcare system will begin to reopen.<\/p>\n
As of May 1, all health procedures that do not require an overnight stay in a hospital can move forward.<\/p>\n
Dentists and veterinarians<\/a> can open back up.<\/p>\n
The only things postponed are some elective surgeries.<\/p>\n
May 4 – Manufacturing, distributions, construction, and offices will reopen<\/h4>\n
Most non-retail businesses can reopen. But they must follow new protocols.<\/p>\n
5 Protocols for All Businesses<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Require face coverings for employees and clients\/customers at all time<\/li>\n
- Conduct daily health assessments<\/li>\n
- Maintain good hygiene – hand washing and social distancing<\/li>\n
- Clean and sanitize throughout the day<\/li>\n
- Distancing. People must be kept apart by distance or screens. Allow as many people as possible to work from home. Change shift patterns and stagger shifts and breaks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
May 12 – Consumer, Retail, and Services will reopen<\/h4>\n
They must follow the following protocols:<\/p>\n
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- Masks required for employees and customers<\/li>\n
- Distancing<\/li>\n
- Check employees for symptoms<\/li>\n
- Limit number of customers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Restaurants, salons, and gyms will remain closed. The Governor says he’s in contact with those businesses to establish protocols. Most daycare facilities will also remain closed.<\/p>\n
Gatherings will still be limited to no more than 10. The stay-at-home orders are still in place. Though, DeWine said, “Obviously companies that are open, you can still go there and work.”<\/p>\n
The Governor also reminded those 65 and older and those with chronic health conditions to be cautious.<\/p>\n