Due to the stay at home order in place for the State of Ohio, There are a lot of questions about what businesses are considered essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my workplace is open and I think it is non-essential?
- Read the order and see if you consider your work to be non-essential. If you believe it is non-essential reach out to your supervisor or Human Resources office first. If there is no action or they disagree with you and do not provide sufficient reasoning you may submit a complaint.
What are the social distancing requirements for businesses that are essential?
- Designate six-foot spacing between employees and customers.
- Provide hand sanitizer and sanitizing products available for employees and customers.
- Provide separate operating hours for elderly and vulnerable customers.
- Provide services online or remotely, where possible.
My workplace is essential but it is not following the social distancing requirements in the order.
Are restaurants open during the stay at home order?
- Restaurants are restricted to take out and delivery only.
- Indoor or outdoor seating at restaurants is not permitted.
What businesses are not permitted to be open during the stay at home order? (The following is only a partial list)
- Indoor recreation centers (trampoline parks, etc.)
- Swimming pools
- barbershops, nail salons, spas
- movie theaters
- museums
- gyms/fitness centers
- hobby stores
My neighbors are having large gatherings, what should I do?
- Try talking to them first (from a distance).
- If that doesn’t work, you can call the non-emergency phone number of the police jurisdiction in which you live.
Can I go outside?
- Yes. Outdoor recreation is permitted under the order, provided proper social distancing practices are followed. Walking or hiking is encouraged, provided the proper spacing of people.
- Playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts and other recreational areas with hard surfaces should be avoided.
To File a complaint about a business you think is in violation of the stay at home order, click here.
To check the status of a complaint click here. (Choose “Code Case” in the search drop-down box).
Full Amended Ohio Department of Health Stay at Home Order
More FAQ on the Ohio Department of Health’s website Link to ODH order FAQ