Gov. Mike DeWine released details on what Ohio’s economy will look like when it opens up on Friday.
“We put this plan together based on all the information we have about how dangerous COVID-19 still is right now, balanced with the fact that it’s also dangerous to have people not working,” DeWine said. “COVID-19 is still out there. It’s still killing people. We’re asking Ohioans to be reasonable and rational. Please don’t take huge chances, and please use common sense when you go out and where you go out.”
The goal of DeWine’s Responsible RestartOhio plan is to “protect the health of employees, customers, and their families, supporting community efforts to control the spread of COVID-19,” according to the governor’s press release.
Set to open on May 1 is the healthcare industry. Ohio will allow doctor visits, well-care checks, out-patient surgeries, imaging procedures, diagnostic tests, and dental and veterinary services.
Any medical procedure that requires an overnight hospital stay or significant personal protective equipment can’t move forward, according to DeWine’s plan.
On May 4, general office environments and businesses in manufacturing, distribution, and construction can start up again if they meet safety requirements for their employees.
Eight days later, consumers, retail and services businesses can begin once again if it meets safety requirements.
The general safe business practices that all businesses must follow as they reopen are:
- Requiring face coverings for all employees, and recommending them for clients and customers at all times
- Conducting daily health assessments or self-evaluations of employees to determine if they should work
- Maintaining good hygiene at all times such as hand washing and social distancing
- Cleaning and sanitizing workplaces throughout the day and at the close of business or between shifts
- Limiting capacity to meet social distancing guidelines
Things that will remain closed include schools, daycares, dine-in restaurants, gyms, theaters, beauty businesses and adult daycare centers, according to the press release.
“I have an obligation as the Governor of Ohio to get people back to work and keep them safe. Opening everything up at once would not be consistent with the obligation to keep people safe,” DeWine said. “Our Responsible RestartOhio plan is the best guarantee that Ohioans will feel safe going to stores and employees will feel safe going to work. I’m optimistic about our future, but we can’t be reckless.”
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media. If you have any tips, email Zachery at [email protected].
Photo “Mike DeWine” by The Ohio Channel.
