The stay at home order is still in place.  If you don’t need to go somewhere, don’t go.  All vulnerable individuals should continue to shelter in place.  Employees who can telework should continue to whenever possible / feasible.  Schools and organized youth activities remain closed.  Large gatherings or socializing in groups of more than 10 is still prohibited.   This reopening plan is intended to protect the lives and livelihoods of Ohioans.

In accordance with the Governor’s office and the Director of Health, the State of Ohio will reopen under the guidelines set forth April 27, 2020.

Effective May 4, 2020 general offices, manufacturing, distribution and construction companies will be allowed to reopen.  All companies must follow the following guidelines:

Ohio’s Safe Business Practices for Getting Back to Work:

1. No mask, no work, no service, no exception. Face coverings are REQUIRED for employees and clients/customers at all times.
2. Conduct daily health assessments by employers and employees (self-evaluation) to determine if “fit for duty.”
3. Maintain good hygiene at all times – hand washing, sanitizing and social distancing.
4. Clean and sanitize workplaces throughout workday and at the close of business or between shifts.
5. Limit capacity to meet social distancing Establish maximum capacity at 50% of fire code and, use appointment setting where possible to limit congestion.

Effective May 12, 2020 – under the new order, consumer, retail and service businesses will be allowed to reopen.  Face masks / face coverings are not mandatory for customers or guests but they are strongly recommended.  Businesses can still require customers to wear a mask.  All employees will be required to wear a face mask or covering.

Rules for Consumer, Retail and Service Businesses

Under the reopening, the following guidelines have been listed as mandatory for customers and guests of retail and service businesses:

• Ensure minimum 6 ft between people
• Specify hours for at-risk populations (e.g. elderly)
• Place hand sanitizers in high-contact locations
• Ask customers and guests not to enter if symptomatic
• Stagger entry of customers and guests

• The following guidelines have been listed as “best practices” recommended for customers and guests of retail and service businesses:

• Health questionnaire for symptoms at entry point
• Provide face coverings upon entry
• Where possible, accept customers by appointment only
• Increase availability for curb-side pickup
• Consider suspending return policies

For more specific information, please visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.