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.

• Contact your supervisor or Human Resources office first. If the issue continues, you may file a complaint online.

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