Social distancing and staying home have switched from orders to suggestions. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said that while staying home and keeping six feet apart are “strongly recommended,” it’s no longer an order.
The coronavirus is not gone. It is real. And it is deadly. This new phase that we are now in is about learning to live with this virus. It is with us — it will remain with us — and we must do all we can to contain it and keep it from killing our fellow citizens.
Here are the new strong suggestions for Ohioans to follow:
Social Distancing
These are strong suggestions for individual citizens. This freedom to choose does not apply to businesses.
- Six feet of social distancing
- A limit of 10 people for mass gatherings
- Frequent hand-washing and other sanitizing efforts.
Businesses
The rules for businesses still remain the same. In fact, DeWine has said he will crack down on bars and restaurants that ignore the rules. Businesses must practice:
- Six feet of social distancing
- Employees wear masks
- Occupancy limits
Stay Home
Governor DeWine still wants Ohioans to stay home. Though it’s not an order, he did speak to those who are highest-risk from the virus.
“It considers our most vulnerable Ohioans as those who can suffer the worst impacts from the virus. The order strongly recommends that high-risk Ohioans stay at home as much as possible. They should avoid places where they are likely to encounter a lot of people.”
He also encouraged healthy Ohioans to stay home whenever possible. He repeated that it’s not an order. However, he emphasized it’s the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Travel Restrictions Lifted
Governor DeWine also lifted travel restrictions. While Ohioans are free to travel outside the state for any reason, he still strongly advised against it.
“What this comes down to now is that each of us has a responsibility to each other to slow the spread. No other time in our lives will our individual actions play a greater role in saving the lives of so many of our fellow citizens.”