DeWine lays groundwork for gradually lifting stay-at-home rules

As Ohio officials plan the first phase of gradually reopening the state for business beginning May 1, another 619 coronavirus cases and 28 more deaths were reported Friday (Source: “Coronavirus in Ohio: Virus cases edge up for third straight day as ‘common-sense’ reopening planned,” April 17, 2020).

State officials believe the five-day virus averages through Thursday are steady enough and low enough to begin jump-starting an economy crippled by business closures that have cost 15% of Ohioans their jobs.

With Thursday’s announcement of a phased-in re-opening of Ohio, DeWine said that businesses that can demonstrate action to help ensure the health of employees and customers will be allowed to recall employees and reopen on May 1.

DeWine followed up on Friday, “We’re trying to get Ohioans back to work while trying to keep Ohioans safe ... now we’re in a much better position” to reopen.

The reopening will come in phases, he said.

HPIO is gathering the most relevant new research on COVID-19 on its Coronavirus in Ohio resource page. Sign up here for regular email summaries of COVID-19 research from HPIO. For the most up-to-date Ohio information on the pandemic, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov