Governor To Issue Revised Orders as COVID-19 Cases Skyrocket Throughout the State

This evening, Governor DeWine addressed Ohioans about the critical need to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The recent rapid increase in new cases, hospital admissions and deaths prompted the Governor to announce the doubling-down on previous health orders, mainly focusing on consumer-facing businesses and social gatherings.

The forthcoming revised mask mandate order will include three new provisions. Those are:

  • Each consumer-facing business will be required to post a face covering requirement sign at all public entrances.
  • Each one of these businesses will be responsible for ensuring that all customers and employees are wearing face coverings.
  • A new Retail Compliance Unit, comprised of agents from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, will be visiting these businesses to ensure compliance.

Businesses found in violation of the revised order will be issued a warning for the first incident and will face a mandatory closure of up to 24 hours for subsequent incidents.

The Governor also announced the closing of congregate areas in businesses such as bars and restaurants. Customers must be seated and wearing a mask if not actively eating or drinking. Activities such as dancing, playing games such as pool or darts, and video lottery gaming are again prohibited. The Governor indicated they will revisit the case numbers one week from tomorrow and if the trend of increasing cases hasn’t slowed, he will close restaurants, bars and fitness centers once again.

Governor DeWine also warned about social gatherings, even with close family who do not live with you. He indicated if you absolutely must get together, everyone should be wearing a mask. He stated, “…when someone you don’t live with enters your ‘bubble,’ it puts everyone you live with at risk.”

The Governor also encouraged people to work from home if possible.

When the revised orders become available with greater details about their requirements, we will share them with you. In the meantime, please contact Lora Miller at loram@ohioretailmerchants.com or Alex Boehnke at alexb@ohioretailmerchants.com, or call us at 614-221-7833 if you have questions.