COLUMBUS, Ohio– Ohio's Attorney General is intervening as Hobby Lobby defies the statewide "stay-at-home" order and reopens its stores amid the coronavirus outbreak.

 Stores around the country, and in Ohio, like these we found in the Columbus and Dayton areas, reopened prior to the order's expiration. The order, which affects all non-essential businesses, remains active.

In a tweet, Attorney General Dave Yost says Hobby Lobby properly closed its stores during Ohio's stay-at-home order. But Yost says now they're open again and asks: what's changed? Yost says neither the order nor the seriousness of the health threat.

 Hobby Lobby, though, claims their business is essential because they sell items that can be used as personal protective equipment, in addition to educational materials.

Spectrum News 1 asked Governor Mike DeWine about the situation at the two o'clock press briefing, and the Governor clearly took note.

Dewine: everybody has to follow the law. Cities all have the ability to shut down businesses in conjunction with health departments. What some people do in their own lives endangers other people, so we have to take action. The laws need to be enforced; we will be issuing another order tomorrow. Enforcement is very important.

State Medical Director Amy Acton's stay-at-home order went into effect Monday, March 23 at 11:59pm and is set to end on April 6 -- unless Acton, working with the Governor, extends it, which is very likely.

Yost has sent a cease and desist letter to Hobby Lobby's general counsel.