COLUMBUS — A Stay-at-Home Order has been made by Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced Acton’s order during his daily COVID-19 update press conference Sunday afternoon. The order goes into effect Monday at 11:59 p.m. and will be in effect until April 6 at 11:59 p.m.
We are now at a new stage. .@DrAmyActon just signed a statewide #StayHome order for Ohioans.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 22, 2020
During his press conference, DeWine said the order is nothing new and follows what he has been asking Ohio residents to do since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Confirmed Cases: 351
Illness onset date range: 02/07/20 – 03/22/20
Age range: 1-93 years, median 51 years
Sex: 159 females, 192 males
Hospitalizations: 83
Deaths: 3 (Cuyahoga, Erie, Lucas)
Counties with cases: 40 @DrAmyActon: This is just the tip of the iceberg.— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 22, 2020
The order still allows the public to seek basic needs such as seeking medical attention, food and other household needs and outdoor recreation. A 6-feet radius from other people still is requested from government officials.
DeWine said per the law books, disobeying the order could carry a charge of a second-degree misdemeanor, but he said his goal is not to charge anyone with crimes but rather ask everyone to do their part to slow the spread of the virus.
We don't look to see a bunch of people arrested. This is not what we want to accomplish. By doing the #StayHome health order, we can convey the seriousness of this. The businesses that stay open must figure out how to follow these guidelines.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 22, 2020
Crawford County Public Health Commissioner Kate Siefert also is asking local residents to follow the statehouse’s orders and to only leave home if absolutely necessary.
She said local businesses need to become more conscience of what employees are essential to their operation and to also take a deep look into their company sick-leave policy.
Siefert said anyone who feels their employers are in a blatant violation of the ODH order may call the county public health office or local law enforcement.
She said for many people this order will not change their lifestyles if they have already been respecting the wishes of the governor for the past week or so.
Public spaces such as many parks and grocery stores still will be operational, as will be many carry-out and drive-thru food options.
Eating out: Carryout is still ok. We advise people to do #SocialDistancing, but they can still pick up food.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 22, 2020
“All this is, is what we’ve been asking everyone to do all along,” Siefert said. “We ask everyone to follow the governor’s and Ohio Department of Health’s orders and help us to protect our fellow Ohioans.”
Siefert said she plans to have more information on the order after a conference call Sunday evening between Acton and all 113 public health offices in Ohio.
A complete version of the order may be found below.
