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03.22.20   |   Insights

Ohio Governor Announces Temporary Shut-Down of Non-Essential Businesses in an Effort to Combat the Spread of Coronavirus

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On March 22, 2020, Ohio Health Department Director Dr. Amy Acton signed a state-wide stay-at-home order (Order) for all Ohioans.

The 12-page order necessitates the temporary closure of businesses not deemed to be essential businesses. 

According to Governor Mike DeWine, the Order does permit exceptions to staying home.  DeWine stated that “[c]ommon sense exceptions [include]: leaving for health and safety, for necessary supplies and services, for outdoor activity (walking your dog, going to a park – although playgrounds are closed).” 

Essential businesses are authorized and encouraged to remain open. The starting point for a definition of “essential business” comes from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which published a memorandum of 16 categories of “critical infrastructure” areas of employment.  The full memo is available HERE.

In addition to the DHS-authorized Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers, the Stay at Home Order lists other essential businesses permitted to stay open in Ohio.  See the full text of the Ohio Stay At Home Order for more details. 

As of Thursday, March 26, 2020, daycares in Ohio will no longer be available to most people. They will be reserved for the children of people in healthcare jobs.  

The Order went into effect at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020, and will stay in effect until April 6, 2020.  Frequently asked questions on the Ohio order are located HERE.

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