Ohio will see a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting on Thursday in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus, according to an announcement from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday.
The curfew will run for 21 days and apply to retail and indoor seating for restaurants, according to Fox8. It does not apply to restaurants open for takeout or delivery, pharmacies or grocery stores. It also does not apply to those who are seeking medical care, have an emergency or those who need to be at work.
“We believe this will help reduce COVID-19 spread. I’m also asking each Ohioan every day to do at least one thing that reduces your contact with others,” DeWine said, reported Fox8.
We are issuing a curfew in Ohio that will start Thursday. This will run from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for 21 days. We believe this will help reduce #COVID19 spread. I'm also asking each Ohioan every day to do at least one thing that reduces your contact with others.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) November 17, 2020
Exceptions: The curfew does not apply to those who need to be at work, those who have an emergency, or those who need medical care. The curfew is not intended to stop anyone from getting groceries, a carry-out/drive-thru meal, or delivery. A lot of this is common sense.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) November 17, 2020
Ohio has seen a spike in confirmed cases of the coronavirus since the beginning of the month, jumping thousands of cases overnight. According to data from The Covid Tracking Project, Ohio has added more than 7,000 cases per day since November 12, reaching more than 8,000 on November 13. This is a jump from the more than 3,000 cases on November 1.
The curfew follows DeWine saying that he would not want to impose a second lockdown, opting instead for a “slow down.”
DeWine’s announcement was met with criticism from both sides, with some calling for additional restrictions, while others said it was too harsh.
United States Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) pushed back against the curfew, pointing out the seemingly arbitrary timing of the curfew.
Starting Thursday in Ohio:
Walk your dog at 9:59 p.m.? Covid free!
Walk your dog at 10:01 p.m.? 90 days in jail. https://t.co/FoAkdyxMuX
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) November 17, 2020
The curfew was also met with criticism from those who thought the measure was not strong enough, including Columbus City Councilman Shannon Hardin.
Ohioans need real action and resources. This does little for the folks who need help most here in Columbus. https://t.co/e5hwLPtxpH
— Shannon Hardin (@SG_Hardin) November 17, 2020
Jane Garrett, a former Democratic Congressional candidate, slammed DeWine for having “no spine.”
DeWine is calling for a curfew 10:00PM to 5:00AM. But it doesn't apply if you have to go to work or you have an emergency or you want to get take out food or buy groceries. In other words, it only applies if you want to stay home during those hours. #DeWinehasnospine!
— Janet Garrett (@Janet4OH) November 17, 2020
The curfew was supported by Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Ohio Restaurant Association President Jone Barker, according to Fox8.
Ohio currently has more than 296,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and more than 5,400 deaths, according to data from the Ohio Department of Health.
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Ohio Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair.
