Interpreting the State of Ohio Amended Stay at Home Order Issued April 2, 2020

By: Todd A. Schrader, Esq.

Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Thursday, April 2, 2020 that Ohio’s “Stay at Home Order” has been extended until May 1, 2020 because of the ongoing coronavirus threat. The initial Order was issued on March 22, 2020 and expires April 6, 2020. Gov. DeWine has indicated more time is needed to curb the spread of the coronavirus, thus the Amended Director’s Stay at Home Order will take effect on April 6, 2020 (immediately upon the expiration of the March 22^nd Order) and will remain in effect until May 1, 2020.

The Amended Order, issued by Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton, continues to permit Ohio residents to leave their residence for the same reasons outlined in the March 22^nd Order (i.e. to purchase groceries and medical supplies, to seek medical care, to attend work at a job deemed “essential,” to take care of others, and to exercise). The Amended Order provides:

• Campgrounds, day camps, swimming pools (other than for a single household), and youth sports must be closed;
• Fishing is permitted if social distancing limits are followed;
• Garden Centers are permitted to remain open as will State Parks, but the Ohio Department of Natural Resources may close one or more parks that have too many visitors or that bring visitors in close proximity to one another (a move swiftly undertaken by the Cleveland Metroparks at several locations);
• Wedding receptions must be limited to a maximum of 10 people, and wedding ceremonies will be allowed to continue;
• Retail businesses that are permitted to remain open must establish and post a maximum occupancy during the pendency of the Order (each business must independently determine a safe number of occupants);
• Anyone traveling into Ohio from other locations must self-quarantine for 14 days, except for people who live near the border and commute across state lines on a regular basis;
• The establishment of a dispute resolution panel for situations in which similar businesses are being treated differently in different counties or health districts; and
• Lastly, violating the “stay-at-home” Order is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $750 fine.

It is recommended that the Amended Order be followed, and that you direct any inquiries relating to the Amended Order to your chosen professional at Seeley, Savidge, Ebert & Gourash. Stay safe!

**This information is offered for discussion, marketing and news purposes and is not intended to constitute legal advice.**