Ohio Now Has A Health Advisory: Here's What's Changing

COLUMBUS, OH — Gov. Mike DeWine announced his intention to replace new coronavirus-motivated state orders with "strong suggestions" on Tuesday. To that end, he replaced Ohio's stay-at-home order with a health advisory.

"Ohioans take care of Ohioans because that is at the core of who we are, and that is how we are going to save our economy," said DeWine during his daily news conference. "What this comes down to now is that each of us has a responsibility to each other to slow the spread. No other time in our lives will our individual actions play a greater role in saving lives."

Here are the biggest changes implemented by the new health advisory:

• Ohioans are no longer ordered to stay home.
• The advisory now strongly recommends Ohioans stay home as much as possible.
• Travel restrictions are lifted.
• There is no longer a requirement to quarantine if someone travels to or returns to Ohio.
• "Unnecessary travel" outside of Ohio is not encouraged.

Here's what hasn't changed:

• Businesses must still obey previously outlined health and safety protocols.
• Mass gatherings are still restricted to 10 people or less.
• Anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 is barred from entering Ohio unless they are seeking medical care or are an Ohio resident who has been out of state.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said Ohio leaders want to loosen restrictions and give Ohioans "more control over their lives." He said COVID-19 is still a threat, but public officials and business leaders have learned more. "Without a vaccine, we had to learn how to live with COVID-19 in our lives."

By the end of May, 95 percent of the Ohio economy will have reopened, Husted said Tuesday.

DeWine has signaled his desire to replace most state orders with "strong suggestions," saying Ohioans have entered a new phase of the "battle" with COVID-19.