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.
DeWine said the decision process involved keeping people safe and restarting the economy.
“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.”
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.
The Timeline
May 1 – Healthcare Opening
DeWine said even though the PPE supply is not exactly where he would like it, Ohio’s healthcare system will begin to reopen.
As of May 1, all health procedures that do not require an overnight stay in a hospital can move forward.
Dentists and veterinarians can open back up.
The only things postponed are some elective surgeries.
May 4 – Manufacturing, distributions, construction, and offices will reopen
Most non-retail businesses can reopen. But they must follow new protocols.
5 Protocols for All Businesses
- Require face coverings for employees and clients/customers at all time
- Conduct daily health assessments
- Maintain good hygiene – hand washing and social distancing
- Clean and sanitize throughout the day
- 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.
May 12 – Consumer, Retail, and Services will reopen
They must follow the following protocols:
- Masks required for employees and customers
- Distancing
- Check employees for symptoms
- Limit number of customers
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.
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.”
The Governor also reminded those 65 and older and those with chronic health conditions to be cautious.
Masks are not required in public but businesses will require employees and customers to wear them.
COVID-19 Numbers
Presumed Cases – 16,325
Confirmed Cases -15, 699
Presumed Deaths – 735
Confirmed Deaths -712
Hospitalizations 3,232
ICU Admissions – 978
Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton said,
“We are entering the next phase. This next phase will also be accompanied by stresses and anxiety. We will have successes. We will have occasional setbacks. It really has to be a collective effort. I believe all of us in Ohio are going to do this next phase together with all that team spirit.”
Ohio Essentials
Governor DeWine said it was important to keep three things in mind as Ohio moves forward.
1. You’ve done an amazing job. Staying at home. Staying apart. Candidly, we are where we are today because of what you have done.
2. The Coronavirus is still here. It’s just as dangerous as it’s ever been. It’s still living amongst us. It is searching for bodies.
3. The tools that we have had to slow it down are still the same as they’ve always been. Distance, distance, distance. Washing our hands. Sanitation of surfaces and other things. Something to cover our face.
We need two additional things:
- Ramp up testing
- Contact tracing
By May 27, hoping to test 133,000 people weekly.
Tracing – The goal is to have 1,750 workers in place by June 1. Funding will be available for local health departments.
