COLUMBUS, Ohio — During a press conference on Sunday afternoon, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that Health Director Dr. Amy Acton has signed a “stay-at-home” order for Ohio.
- Essential businesses can remain open
- Changes to daycare begin Thursday
- Playgrounds closed
The order allows exceptions, which include essential trips for supplies, walking the dog, and helping to take care of others.
“There is really nothing in that order, that we have not already been talking about,” said DeWine. “There’s nothing in that order, that I have not been asking you to do for the last week or so.”
DeWine said playgrounds will be closed.
The governor also said changes in day care will start Thursday. There will now be a maximum of six children per room and one teacher to no more than six children. Additionally, shared space must follow a “rigorous, rigorous” cleaning schedule.
Essential businesses are permitted to remain open, but will become subject to the conditions of the order and are required to follow good guidelines for health standards.
Dr. Acton says she's more hopeful than she's ever been and sees a brighter future, but she urges every Ohioan to do their part to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
"Today is the day that matters, today is the day that we have to batten down those hatches. There's no time left. Listen to what Italy is telling us, today is the day, I don't want you to be afraid. I'm not afraid, I am determined, but I need you," she said.
The order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday and will remain in effect until April 6. It will be enforced by local health departments and law enforcement.
The governor said we are at war and that Ohio has not faced a medical emergency since the 1918 influenza epidemic. But he assured Ohioans that the Buckeye State has the wherewithal to do this.
For the latest updates, go to coronavirus.gov.