CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley reacted Monday to the possibility of new health restrictions, opposing the closure of indoor dining and questioning the effectiveness of a curfew.

What You Need To Know

  • Mayor Cranley said he opposes measures that would cripple already struggling businesses

  • Cincinnati reported a high of 247 daily cases on Saturday as numbers surge in Ohio

  • The mayor reacted to reports of a curfew, which he says he opposes

Gov. Mike DeWine is expected to announce new decisions Tuesday tightening the state's COVID-19 response due to the surge of cases that is sweeping through the region.

Cranley said at a press briefing that curfews may have the effect of bunching people close together during the hours when activities are allowed. 

It remains unclear what a curfew would mean for different industries. Reports surfaced Sunday and Monday in multiple outlets that the idea of a curfew had been considered by the governor's office.

 Cranley said grocery stores should be allowed to stay open because odd hours are the safest time to shop.

"If there was a curfew, would the workers be furloughed and what economic impact would it have on them?" Cranley said. "Every action has a reaction, unintended consequences."

Cranely disapproves of drastic measures that would hurt business. He referenced the governor's comments last Thursday that he would consider closing indoor dining this week.

"I think we've got to learn to live with this virus and so I hope that no decisions will be made to further impair industries that have already suffered a lot throughout this year," Cranley said. "The work and the jobs that are at stake are essential."

Cincinnati Health Commissioner Melba Moore said the city is averaging 151 daily cases for the last two weeks, reporting a high Saturday of 247 cases.

The challenge for the city, according to Cranley, will be discouraging private gatherings during the holiday season. 

“Right now, we have to figure out how to slow down, engage in less gathering right at the moment heading into the holidays where people want to do more gatherings," he said.

Despite the city's efforts, Cranley expects people will disregard guidance and engage in social networks outside their imediate circles, which he said puts everybody in danger.

City officials are encouraging remote work for all businesses that are able to do so. The city along with the rest of the state will adjust its response to the pandemic after DeWine announces his new health orders as soon as Tuesday.