Ohio Economy Reopening: 5 Things To Know

COLUMBUS, OH — In a little more than two weeks, Ohio has reopened 90 percent of its economy. More reopening procedures are being announced daily and Gov. Mike DeWine has made clear he wants to restart the state economy safely.

Over the past two weeks, the governor and his team have announced a flurry of reopening protocols, allowing select industries to resume work. Here are five things to know about reopening in Ohio.

1. Gatherings of 10 or more people are still banned

Technically, the shelter at home mandate is still in place, even as the vast majority of the Ohio economy comes back online. Social gatherings are still expressly forbidden under the state government's mandate. This extends beyond dinner parties to things like wedding receptions. Violating the state's stay-at-home order is a misdemeanor. Violators could be fined up to $750 or spend 90 days in jail.

Don't miss the latest updates from health and government officials in Ohio on the coronavirus. Sign up for Patch newsletters and news alerts.

2. Restaurants can welcome customers inside starting May 21

Carry-out has been available throughout the pandemic and outdoor dining opened last week. Restaurants can come more fully online Thursday though. Employees and guests must be socially distanced inside the restaurant, parties can have no more than 10 people, self-serve tables are prohibited and frequent, thorough cleanings are necessary.

3. A lot of things are reopening in May

Camp grounds open May 21. Horse racing (sans spectators) begins May 22. Pools, non-contact sports and gyms can welcome visitors on May 26. Bureau of Motor Vehicle locations will also resume work on May 26. Child care and day camps reopen May 31.

4. There are new safety precautions that all reopened businesses must follow

Restaurants aren't the only businesses under heightened scrutiny. The state is releasing industry-specific guidelines for every sector which is allowed to reopen. Mandates include: employees having to wear masks while working, frequent cleaning of shared contact surfaces, testing and health protocols if an employee shows up sick and more.

5. More restrictions could be forthcoming

As the weather improved, Ohioans flooded patios at bars and restaurants. Images of crowded outdoor seating were shared widely on the Internet, prompting DeWine to warn restaurant owners. The governor said the health and safety guidelines outlined by the state "will be enforced." In an interview with CNN on Sunday, he went further, saying he was "prepared" to pull back on reopening, if business owners didn't take the new health and safety protocols seriously.