As public health officials urge people to stay home and away from gatherings of more than 10 people, there are some businesses that say they can't close unless they're ordered to do so. Gov. Mike DeWine says he hears those concerns.
DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health have issued several orders to close businesses over the course of a week, from bars and restaurants to movie theaters and salons.
But there are still businesses grappling with the decision to close but for one reason or another, can't.
DeWine says this can be because of legal reasons, insurance issues, or something else. He says if a business is in this predicament, he welcomes them to reach out.
"The ultimate goal is to keep people safe and if that fits in with keeping people safe, we're happy to talk with them," says DeWine.
DeWine is asking companies to monitor the health of their employees if they have a temperature or feel sick, he says to let them stay home.
The Ohio Department of Health makes the following recommendations to protect yourself from illness:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; dry hands with a clean towel or air dry hands.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
Ohio's coronavirus call center is open to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The hotline number is 1-833-4-ASK-ODH or 1-833-427-5634. More information is available at coronavirus.ohio.gov.
