Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Amy Acton, M.D. MPH, the Ohio Department of Health Director have announced that Ohio is under a “Stay at Home” order. This order has gone into effect Monday, March 23, 2020 and will remain in effect until 11:59 pm on April 6, 2020, unless the order is rescinded or modified. (Ohio Governor News)
As the virus spreads globally and disrupts life more, you should be forming new habits and avoiding certain bad behaviors that may have never occurred to you weeks ago. It is not only good for your health, but crucial to ensuring that others around you stay healthy as well. This order prohibits holding gatherings of any size and closes all non-essential businesses. It does NOT prohibit essential activities like going to the grocery store, receiving medical care, or taking your pet for a walk.
SOME FAQ’S
(Ohio Dept. of Health)
- Where does the Stay at Home Order apply?
- This order includes the entire state of Ohio. Unless you work for an essential business or are doing an essential activity, you should stay home. Work from home is permitted and encouraged where possible.
- Is this mandatory or just guidance?
- MANDATORY! To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in Ohio and protect your friends, neighbors and vulnerable populations, please STAY HOME.
- How will the police know that I work in an essential service?
- The police will not stop residents who are on their way to or from work or who are out for necessities, getting groceries or taking a walk. People gathering in any size group may be asked to physical distance themselves or go home.
- What Essential Services will be open?
- Grocery Stores
- Gas Stations
- Pharmacies
- Police & Fire Stations
- Hospitals, clinics and healthcare operations
- Garbage/sanitation
- Public Transportation
- Public benefits (i.e. SNAP, Medicaid) hotlines
- Getting Medical Care
- If you are feeling sick, call your doctor, nurse hotline, any telehealth hotline that is set up specifically for COVID-19.
- If you are experiencing symptoms or are currently in isolation, you should stay at home and follow the guidelines provided to you by your physician.
- Do NOT go to an emergency room unless necessary.
- Non-Essential medical care like eye exams, and teeth cleaning should be postponed.
- When possible, healthcare visits should be done remotely.
- Contact your healthcare provider to see what tele-health services they do provide.
- Are roads closed in Ohio?
- No
- Visiting Family and Friends
- For your safety, as well as the safety of those in your community, you should remain at home to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
- You may travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons.
- But if possible, it is recommended that you drop off supplies, food, and medication to those relatives in need of assistance, but minimize interaction.
- Taking Kids to Parks
- Playgrounds are CLOSED because they pose a high risk of increasing transmission.
- Families will still be able to go outside, including to parks and outdoor spaces that remain open, this includes taking a walk, run or bike ride, but you should continue to practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from other people.
- Picking up Meals Provided by Children’s Schools.
- Many districts and schools are continuing to support students by providing breakfast and lunch in non-congregate settings. To find a meal site near you, use the Ohio Department of Education’s interactive map or check your local district’s website or social media channels for meal distribution locations and times.
- What is the difference between the Stay at Home order and Social Distancing?
- Social distancing is an important first step in preventing the spread of a disease like COVID-19 that allows people to go about their daily activities while taking extra health and safety precautions.
- The stay at home order requires people to remain in their homes unless they have an essential job or are doing an essential task like going to the grocery store or walking a pet.
During a Pandemic, it will be critical to understand what you may be asked or required to do. It will be important to follow any Public Health Social Distancing instructions or any other instructions or orders that may be given.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Even though it may seem simple, practicing hygiene habits such as washing your hands and covering your cough will help to stop or slow the spread of many diseases.
Stay informed and plan ahead. For more information about health issues and emergency preparedness, please visit the following websites:
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