COVID-19 Alert - Safe at Home Ohio Order

As expected, Ohio Director of Health Dr. Amy Acton, signed a modified Stay-at-Home Order late Thursday night.  The new Order continues the previous Stay-at-Home directive but includes provisions for certain businesses to re-open.  The businesses permitted to open, and the protocols they must follow, are not surprising as the Governor detailed the protocols earlier this week during his daily press briefings. See below an overview of the new Order. The complete Order is attached. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. 

Key Provisions in New Stay-at-Home Order:

• The new Order is called the “Stay Safe Ohio Order,” and is effective until May 29, 2020.

• Individuals are ordered to stay at home unless leaving home to participate in activities, business or operations permitted in the Order. 

• Gatherings of more than ten (10) people are prohibited, unless participants are members of the same household, family or residence.  There are exceptions for weddings, funerals, religious groups, First Amendment protected speech and media activity.

• Individuals entering the state of Ohio after a long period of time are asked to self-quarantine for fourteen (14) days.

• Elderly people, and those who are sick, are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and urged to take additional precautions and stay at home.

Facial Covering Requirements:

• Facial coverings (masks) should be “cloth/fabric and cover an individual’s nose, mouth and chin.”

• Businesses must allow:

  • All customers, patrons, visitors, contractors, vendors and others to wear a facial covering, unless specifically documented legal or health or safety reason.

• Business must require all employees to wear facial coverings, except for one of the following reasons:

  • Facial coverings in the work setting are prohibited by law or regulation;

  • Facial coverings are in violation of documented industry standards;

  • Facial coverings are not advisable for health reasons;

  • Facial coverings are violation of the business’s documented safety policies;

  • Facial coverings are not required when the employee works alone in an assigned work area; or,

  • There is a functional (practical) reason for an employee not to wear a facial covering in the workplace.

• Businesses must provide written justification, upon request, explaining why an employee is not required to wear a facial covering.

Social Distancing Requirements:

• Businesses must take proactive measures to ensure compliance with social distancing, including where possible:

  • Designate six-foot distances with signage, tape or other means;

  • Make hand sanitizer and sanitizing products readily available;

  • Create separate operating hours for vulnerable populations; and,

  • Post online business hours and ability for customers to receive services remotely.

Operations Permitted to Re-Open:

• Outpatient elective procedures and surgeries, including dental and veterinarian procedures, beginning today.

• General offices, manufacturing companies, distribution centers and construction companies to re-open on Monday, May 4, 2020 and retail establishments to re-open on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, subject to certain protocols described in the Sector Specific COVID-19 Information and Checklist for Business/Employers (See Sections 20 and 21 of the Order).

• Note, retailers may re-open on May 1 at 11:59 PM if they restrict operations to curbside pickup or delivery, or appointment-only.

Businesses and Operations that Remain Closed until Further Notice:

• Schools

• Restaurants and bars (except for carry-out and delivery)

• Personal Appearance/Beauty

• Adult Day Support or Vocational Habilitation Services in a Congregate Setting

• Older Adult Day Care Services and Senior Centers

• Child Care Services

• Entertainment/Recreation/Gymnasiums

Penalty and Enforcement:

• Violations of the Order result in a second-degree misdemeanor, which can include a fine of up to $750 and/or 90 days in jail. The Order is enforced by state and local law enforcement.

• Local health departments are authorized to answer questions regarding the order in writing to governmental entities.

• The dispute resolution process for contradictory local health department determinations remains intact.