What The New Stay-At-Home Order Means For Ohioans

COLUMBUS, OH — After days of signaling his intentions, Gov. Mike DeWine announced a new and extended stay-at-home order for Ohioans on Thursday. The mandate extends stay-at-home protocols through May 1 and closes several communal gathering spots. The order goes into effect on Monday, April 6.

Dr. Amy Acton, director of the state health department, predicts COVID-19 cases will peak between mid-April and mid-May, she said Thursday. To try and flatten the impending surge, the stay-at-home order will be extended through at least May 1. Many businesses will remain shuttered, despite record unemployment claims.

"If you are frustrated — I'm frustrated too. This is not how we want to live. This is not what we signed up for, but it's where we are. My goal for all Ohioans is that we make it — that we get through this, live through it. What Ohioans are doing every day is saving lives," DeWine told Ohioans during his daily press conference on Thursday.

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The extended stay-at-home order will have wide-ranging impacts on many aspects of daily life. Here's what was in the order:

• Ohioans who travel out of state must self-quarantine for 14 days.
• Wedding receptions cannot have more than 10 guests at a time.
• Community pools, day camps and summer camps will all be closed to start the spring season.
• Campgrounds will be closed to the public, unless a camper or recreational vehicle serves as an Ohioan's permanent residence.
• Spring sports are prohibited until the COVID-19 crisis has subsided.
• Businesses will have to set a limit on how many patrons can be inside their store at any given time. Each company will be able to set its own customer limit, but must publicly post that number.

"We all understand that this is tough. Congress has come forward with a comprehensive bill...it doesn't mean that it gets people back where they were, but it is helpful. I urge you to look at that bill to see what can be of direct help to you," DeWine said Thursday.