Stay at Home Order Issued in Ohio

Stay at Home Order Issued in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine once again addressed the state concerning the continuing COVID-19 crisis on March 22, 2020. More drastic steps have been taken to stop the spread of the virus.

“We’re strong. We can do this. We are Buckeyes,” Governor DeWine said. He stressed the war analogy, that in order to stop the spread of this “enemy” Ohioans need to stay at home and follow the guidelines to stop COVID-19 from spreading further. “I’m convinced we can do this,” he said.

Dr. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Health Department, signed an order for Ohioans to stay at home. “I am not afraid, but determined,” Dr. Acton stated during the press conference as she talked about the need to remember there was an Ohio on the other side of this situation and through the measures taken, the people of Ohio could get there.

DeWine stated the steps being taken were common sense measures. He also stated that only daycares with an emergency operating permit were to remain open. Numbers for daycares are now being limited to six children per room. One of the reasons he said daycares need to remain open at this point are for those working in the medical fields.

DeWine also stated the local health departments and law enforcement have the authority to enforce the order from Dr. Acton for Ohioans to stay at home. He stated that the wording was not the same as what other areas have used which is “lockdown.” DeWine used the term “stay-at-home” instead.

Additionally, playgrounds were closed, but getting out and walking was encouraged while still practicing social distance. “I need to not drive this press conference and not see people going on as usual,” Dr. Acton said, adding that this is the time for quiet to descend on the country.

Gov. DeWine called the order a “blueprint” for how to get through the COVID-19 crisis.

Below is the order issued by Dr. Acton.