So, what’s NOT opening up in May? Yesterday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine revealed his timeline for reopening many businesses in May. But there are a whole lot of places whose doors will remain shut for the foreseeable future.
`Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis expressed frustration with the timeline. ” We have business owners that are crying. We have to figure out a responsible way to move this economy forward faster. I see that it needs to happen at an accelerated rate. Based on the fact that we have a very low contagion rate.”
The timeline as it stands is:
- May 1 – Hospitals and medical offices resume non-emergency procedures. Dentists and vet’s office open
- May 4 – Manufacturing, distributions, construction, and offices will reopen
- May 12 – Consumer, Retail, and Services will reopen
Customers and employees must maintain social distance and wear masks.
But let’s take a look at what’s not reopening in May. There’s a long list of businesses that are still looking at indefinite closures. When Governor DeWine was asked for any kind of a timeline, he declined to say if it will be weeks or months before places like restaurants and salons can open their doors.
He said the state would have to wait and see what happened with Coronavirus spread when workplaces and retail opened their doors.
Here’s a list of the businesses that WON’T be opening in May:
Restaurants and bars
While delivery and pickup can still continue, the dine-in service that makes up the bulk of most restaurant’s earnings is banned for the foreseeable future. Considering that masks will be a requirement for both employees and customers, it would be pretty difficult to eat or drink in a restaurant.
This leaves servers and bartenders, who count on tips for a large part of their income, with no notion of when they could get back to work. It also leaves many local businesses barely hanging on.
Salons, Barbershops, Spas, Nail Salons, and Beauty Businesses
Ohio’s salon owners have lobbied the state to consider at least allowing them to serve one customer at a time. But it doesn’t look like the Governor cares for that proposal.
Stylists and other beauty professionals are without and income. Ohioans are stuck with home haircuts, roots, and scraggly nails.
Day Care, Adult Day Care & Vocational Services, and Senior Centers
Some Day Care centers with special pandemic licenses are open and will remain so. While Governor DeWine says he understands the burden this places on parents whose workplaces are reopening, he feels there’s just too great a dangers of spreading the virus.
Theaters, Concert Venues, Sporting Facilities
If you’re hoping to see a movie, play, concert, or attend a game any time soon, you are out of luck. All will remain closed indefinitely. Hollywood has moved the premieres of the summer’s big movies to later in the year or next summer. NASCAR has turned to holding virtual iRacing featuring big-name drivers.
Playgrounds, Pools, Splash Pads, Basketball Courts
Recreational facilities that would encourage kids to congregate remain closed.
Schools, Summer Camps, Sport Camps
It was previously announced that Ohio schools would remain closed for the rest of the school year. But don’t count on college summer classes, summer camps, or any other kind of educational development programs to happen.
Commissioner Davis said, “I understand this is a measured approach. I don’t think it’s fast enough.”