Government responses to and political effects of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 (Ohio)

Scroll here for more articles

Newsletter signup

* * *

Current coverage
Active COVID-19 emergency orders • Changes to emergency power laws • Federal government responses • Mask requirements • School policies in the 2021-2022 academic year • State vaccine requirement (vaccine passport) policies • State employee vaccine requirements • State plans to end federal unemployment • State unemployment filings • Travel restrictions • Vaccine distribution plans

* * *

Vaccines

* * *

School policies

* * *

Mask requirements

* * *

Federal pandemic responses

* * *

Travel restrictions

* * *

Elections

* * *

Economy and society

* * *

State policies

* * *

Debate about government responses

* * *

Click here to see our complete coronavirus coverage

* * *

Responses by state

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingSubmit

Ballotpedia is providing comprehensive coverage on how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting America's political and civic life. Our coverage includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.

This article contains coverage of eight kinds of state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The article tracks developments in these areas that took place between the start of the pandemic in March 2020 through Dec. 4, 2020. The government responses covered here include:

* Changes to election dates and procedures in 2020
* Initial stay-at-home orders
* Executive orders
* Coronavirus-related legislation in 2020
* Changes to the state's 2020 legislative session
* Court closures
* The release of inmates
* Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies

Additionally, the article includes:

* Arguments related to the state's response to the coronavirus
* Individual industries and activities from May 15 through July 31
* The state's initial plan to reopen from March and April 2020 closures
* Coronavirus resources relevant to the state.

To view current coverage areas, including mask requirements, school responses, travel restrictions, and much more, click a state in the map below.

Choose your state...AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWashington, D.C.West VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

Documenting_STATE's_path_to_recovery_from_the_coronavirus_(COVID-19)_pandemic,_2020-2021

Sign up below to receive daily emails related to our coverage of the coronavirus pandemic and recovery.

## Contents

* 1 Changes to election dates and procedures, March 16 through November 19
* 1.1 General election changes
* 1.2 Primary election changes
* 1.3 October 9, 2020: Federal appeals court stays district court order directing secretary of state to allow ballot drop boxes at multiple sites within a county
* 1.4 October 8, 2020: Federal district court orders secretary of state to allow ballot drop boxes at multiple sites within a county
* 1.5 October 2, 2020: State appeals court says secretary of state has discretion to determine limits on absentee/mail-in ballot drop boxes
* 1.6 September 16, 2020: State judge enjoins state limitation on absentee/mail-in ballot drop boxes, stays order pending appeal
* 1.7 September 15, 2020: State judge finds limitation on absentee ballot drop boxes "unreasonable," stops short of rescinding limitation
* 1.8 September 11, 2020: Judge orders election officials to accept absentee ballot applications submitted by fax or email
* 1.9 August 12, 2020: Secretary of state directs counties to provide one drop-box for absentee/mail-in ballots
* 1.10 March 27, 2020: Governor signs legislation extending absentee voting in primary to April 27, 2020
* 1.11 March 16-17, 2020: Ohio state health director orders closure of polls on March 17, 2020
* 1.12 March 15, 2020: Secretary of state authorizes curbside voting on Election Day and changes to absentee voting procedures
* 2 Statewide stay-at-home order, March 23 through December 4
* 3 Executive orders, March 30 through June 29
* 4 Court closures, March 17 through November 4
* 5 Legislative session changes, March 20 through October 1
* 6 Proposed and enacted legislation, March 25 through August 19
* 7 Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies, April 9 through November 24
* 8 Prison inmate release responses, March 30 through July 1
* 9 Debate in Ohio over responses to the coronavirus
* 10 Status of industries, May 15 through July 31
* 11 Initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures
* 11.1 Summary from Documenting America's Path to Recovery
* 11.1.1 Context
* 11.1.2 Ohioans Protecting Ohioans Urgent Health Advisory
* 11.1.3 Protocols for businesses
* 11.1.4 Timeline
* 11.1.5 Sector-specific guidelines
* 11.1.6 Reactions
* 12 Coronavirus resources
* 12.1 State resources
* 12.2 Federal resources
* 13 See also
* 14 Footnotes

## Changes to election dates and procedures, March 16 through November 19[edit]

See also: Changes to election dates, procedures, and administration in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

### General election changes[edit]

Ohio modified its absentee/mail-in voting procedures for the November 3, 2020, general election as follows:

* Absentee/mail-in voting: Absentee ballot applications could be submitted by fax or email for the general election.

### Primary election changes[edit]

Ohio modified its primary election process as follows:

* Election postponements: Absentee voting in the primary election was extended to April 27. The final date for in-person voting, restricted to individuals with disabilities and those without home mailing addresses, was April 28.

Click the gray bar below for more detailed information.

* Ohio election changes (click to expand)

### October 9, 2020: Federal appeals court stays district court order directing secretary of state to allow ballot drop boxes at multiple sites within a county[edit]

On October 9, 2020, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit stayed a district court's order directing Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) to allow counties to install absentee/mail-in ballot drop boxes at locations other than election board offices. As a result, LaRose's initial order limiting drop boxes to one site per county was reinstated. The panel voted 2-1 on the matter, with Judges Richard Griffin and Amul Thapar forming the majority. In the court's order, Griffin wrote, "Federal courts are not 'overseers and micromanagers' of 'the minutiae of state election processes.' The district court in this case altered election rules during an election and in disregard for Ohio's important state interests." Griffin and Thapar were appointed by Presidents George W. Bush (R) and Donald Trump (R), respectively. Judge Helene White dissented: "[To] hold that the constitutionality of a last-minute order by a single state official impacting the voting rights of thousands of citizens may not be adjudicated until after their right to vote has been disrupted applies Supreme Court precedent to an inappropriate context." White, like Griffin, was a Bush appointee.[1]

### October 8, 2020: Federal district court orders secretary of state to allow ballot drop boxes at multiple sites within a county[edit]

On October 8, 2020, Judge Dan Aaron Polster, of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, ordered Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) to allow counties to install absentee/mail-in ballot drop boxes at locations other than election board offices. In his ruling, Polster wrote, "The Secretary has not advanced any legitimate reason to prohibit a county board of elections from utilizing off-site drop boxes and/or off-site delivery of ballots to staff. Voting began October 6, the Cuyahoga County board voted to begin collecting ballots at public libraries on October 14, other county boards may now vote to implement plans for off-site collection, and it is time for this litigation to end."[2]

Polster's order took effect immediately. LaRose appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In a statement, Maggie Sheehan, a spokeswoman for LaRose, said, "Voting has begun, and Ohio’s elections are safe, secure and accessible. The place to make changes in how we run our elections is the Statehouse, not the courthouse."[3]

### October 2, 2020: State appeals court says secretary of state has discretion to determine limits on absentee/mail-in ballot drop boxes[edit]

On October 2, 2020, a three-judge panel of the Ohio 10th District Court of Appeals ruled that Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) could direct counties to offer multiple drop-box locations for returning absentee/mail-in ballots. The panel stopped short of requiring LaRose to do so, overturning a lower court decision to that effect.[4]

On October 5, 2020, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) announced that counties would be allowed to offer multiple drop-off options for returning absentee/mail-in ballots. LaRose said that these options would be restricted to one site per county.[5]

### September 16, 2020: State judge enjoins state limitation on absentee/mail-in ballot drop boxes, stays order pending appeal[edit]

On September 16, 2020, Judge Richard A. Frye, of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, ordered Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) to stop directing counties to provide no more than one absentee/mail-in ballot drop box per county. However, Frye immediately stayed his order in anticipation of an appeal by LaRose and in keeping with Ohio law, which "obligates an Ohio court to stay a judgment when appeal is taken by a state agency or officer." LaRose filed his appeal with the Ohio Court of Appeals for the Tenth Appellate District on September 21, 2020.[6][7]

### September 15, 2020: State judge finds limitation on absentee ballot drop boxes "unreasonable," stops short of rescinding limitation[edit]

On September 15, 2020, Judge Richard Frye, of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, ruled that the order from Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) directing counties to provide no more than one absentee/mail-in ballot drop box per county "lacked a legitimate basis in evidence" and was, therefore, "unreasonable and unlawful." Frye stopped short of rescinding the order, citing previous indications by LaRose that he supported "additional drop boxes if they are legal." In response to the ruling, Maggie Sheehan , a spokeswoman for LaRose, said, "Today’s ruling didn’t change anything, and the secretary’s directive remains in place."[8][9]

### September 11, 2020: Judge orders election officials to accept absentee ballot applications submitted by fax or email[edit]

On September 11, 2020, Judge Stephen L. McIntosh, of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, enjoined Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) from rejecting absentee ballot applications submitted via fax or email. McIntosh ordered officials to accept applications submitted by fax or email for the November 3, 2020, general election. The full text of McIntosh's order can be accessed here.[10]

### August 12, 2020: Secretary of state directs counties to provide one drop-box for absentee/mail-in ballots[edit]

On August 12, 2020, Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) directed each county election board to provide one drop-box for absentee/mail-in ballots in the November 3, 2020, general election. LaRose included this directive in a document outlining health guidelines for county election boards, which can be accessed here.[11]

### March 27, 2020: Governor signs legislation extending absentee voting in primary to April 27, 2020[edit]

On March 27, 2020, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) signed HB 197 into law, extending absentee voting in the state's primary to April 27, 2020, and setting the final date for in-person voting, restricted to individuals with disabilities and those without home mailing addresses, as April 28, 2020. Under the legislation, every eligible voter was set to receive a postcard describing the process for obtaining an absentee ballot application. The voter registration deadline, originally February 18, 2020, remained unchanged. Votes already cast, either by mail or in person, prior to March 17, 2020, would be counted as valid.[12][13][14]

On April 3, 2020, Judge Michael Watson, of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, rejected a challenge to this legislation, allowing the primary plan to stand.[15]

### March 16-17, 2020: Ohio state health director orders closure of polls on March 17, 2020[edit]

The following is a chronological account of events involving the postponement of Ohio's March 17, 2020, primary election.

On March 16, 2020, a group of private citizens filed suit in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, at the request of Governor Mike DeWine (R), seeking a postponement of the state's primary election, originally scheduled for March 17, 2020. Both DeWine and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) advocated for the postponement. Neither, however, could order the postponement themselves. They also could not file suit in state court to effect the change because the state and its officials cannot sue themselves.[16]

Later that day, Judge Richard Frye issued an order declining to postpone the primary. On announcing the order, Frye said, "There are too many factors to balance in this unchartered territory to say that we ought to take this away from the legislature and elected statewide officials, and throw it to a common pleas court judge in Columbus 12 hours before the election."[17][18]

In a joint press release issued shortly after 9:00 p.m. Eastern, DeWine and LaRose said, "Logistically, under these extraordinary circumstances, it simply isn’t possible to hold an election tomorrow that will be considered legitimate by Ohioans. They mustn’t be forced to choose between their health and exercising their constitutional rights."[19]

Aaron Ockerman, head of the Ohio Association of Elections Officials, said, "At this point in the evening, it is almost impossible for boards of elections or the secretary of state to give a concrete answer as to what the plan for tomorrow is. There is lots of conflicting information floating around, so we will wait for the courts to make a final decision and act according to the instructions we receive. We expect a long night, and will be prepared for [Tuesday] whatever that decision is."[19]

Shortly after 10:00 p.m. Eastern, DeWine announced that polls would be closed on March 17, 2020, by the order of the state health director:[20]

“  | During this time when we face an unprecedented public health crisis, to conduct an election tomorrow would force poll workers and voters to place themselves at an unacceptable health risk of contracting coronavirus. As such, Health Director Dr. Amy Acton will order the polls closed as a health emergency. While the polls will be closed tomorrow, Secretary of State Frank LaRose will seek a remedy through the courts to extend voting options so that every voter who wants to vote will be granted that opportunity."[21] |  ”

|
|

—Gov. Mike DeWine

In response to this announcement, a candidate for office in Wood County, Ohio, filed suit in the state supreme court, alleging that the postponement violated state election laws. Shortly before 4:00 a.m. Eastern, March 17, 2020, the court rejected this argument, allowing the postponement to stand. Four justices participated in the ruling, which was issued without an opinion: Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor and Justices Pat Fischer, Michael P. Donnelly, and Melody Stewart:. Three justices recused themselves: Justices Judith French, Sharon L. Kennedy, and Pat DeWine.[22]

LaRose preliminarily postponed in-person voting to June 2, 2020. The absentee ballot application deadline was extended to May 26, 2020, and the postmark deadline was extended to June 1. The voter registration deadline, originally February 18, 2020, was set to stand. All ballots already cast, either by mail or in person, were set to be counted as usual. These dates were rendered moot upon the enactment of HB 197, which rescheduled the primary election for April 28, 2020.[23]

On March 17, 2020, the Democratic Party of Ohio and Kiara Sanders, a registered voter in Franklin County, filed suit against LaRose in the state supreme court. The plaintiffs alleged that LaRose was "patently and unambiguously without jurisdiction and legal authority to suspend, move, or set the date of Ohio's 2020 presidential primary election." They argued instead that the legal authority to set the date of the primary election rested with the state legislature. This suit was also rendered moot by the enactment of HB 197.[24]

### March 15, 2020: Secretary of state authorizes curbside voting on Election Day and changes to absentee voting procedures[edit]

On March 15, 2020, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) directed county boards of elections to offer curbside voting to "any voter that is concerned about coming inside a polling location." The secretary of state also directed election officials to accept absentee ballot applications until 3:00 p.m. on March 17, 2020, for voters "unforeseeably confined due to concerns regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19."[25][26] These orders were ultimately rendered moot by the postponement of in-person voting in the primary election to June 2, 2020.

## Statewide stay-at-home order, March 23 through December 4[edit]

See also: States with lockdown and stay-at-home orders in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

On March 22, Amy Acton, the Director of the Ohio Department of Health, issued a stay at home order that directed individuals in the state to stay at home unless performing essential activities and placed restrictions on non-essential businesses.[27] The order was originally set to expire on April 6. Gov. Mike DeWine (R) extended the order to May 1.[28] On April 30, he extended the order until May 29.[29] On May 19, DeWine signed “Ohioans Protecting Ohioans Urgent Health Advisory,” which replaced the state’s stay-at-home order, “Stay Safe Ohio.”[30]

The stay at home order specified the industries and businesses that would be permitted to remain open.

## Executive orders, March 30 through June 29[edit]

See also: Executive orders issued by governors and state agencies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

* State of Emergency declared
* Department of Health Director Ordered Polling Locations Closed for 3/17 Primary
* Director of Health Orders Non-Essential or Elective Surgeries to Cease Effective March 18
* Executive Order 2020-02D The Emergency Amendment of Rules
* Executive Order 2020-03D Lifting Certain Unemployment Compensation Benefit Restrictions
* Executive Order 2020-04D Establishing a Temporary Pandemic Child Care License
* Executive Order 2020-05D Expands Telehealth Services
* Health Director’s Order on Sale of Food and Beverage
* Health Director’s Order on Limited Access to Nursing Homes
* Health Director’s Order to Limit Mass Gatherings
* Governor Orders Temporary Closure of Barbershops, Hair Salons, Nail Salons and Tattoo Parlors
* Health Director’s Order to Cease Business Operations and Close Venues
* Health Director’s Order to Prohibit Adult Day Support or Vocational Habilitation Services in Congregate Setting
* Health Director’s Order to Close Facilities Providing Older Adult Day Care Services and Senior Centers
* Health Director’s Order to Stay at Home Unless Engaged in Essential Work or Activity
* Executive Order 2020-06D The Emergency Adoption of Rule 4729-5-30.2 of the Ohio Administrative Code by the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy
* Executive Order 2020-07D The Emergency Adoption of Rule 5101:2-12-02.1, 5101:2-13-02.1 and 5101:2-14-02.1 of the Ohio Administrative Code by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
* Heath Director’s Order to Close Facilities Providing Child Care Services
* Health Director’s Amended Order to Close Facilities Providing Older Adult Day Care Services and Senior Centers
* Amended Health Director’s Order on School Closures
* Health Director’s Order to Require an Inventory of all Ventilators in Ohio
* EPA Director’s Emergency Order Regarding Public Water Systems
* Executive Order 2020-08D Commercial Evictions and Foreclosures
* Health Director’s Order for Non-Congregate Sheltering to be Utilized Throughout Ohio
* EPA Director’s Emergency Order Regarding Public Water Systems
* Amended Director’s Stay at Home Order
* Executive Order 2020-09D Expanding Telehealth Access to Individual Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Counselors
* Executive Order 2020-10D Liquor Control Commission
* Executive Order 2020-12D Emergency Amendment of Rules
* Executive Order 2020-13D Directing Expenditure of Fiscal Year 2020 TANF Funds by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
* Health Director’s Order to Release Protected Health Information to Ohio’s First Responders
* Health Director’s Order to Facilities to Notify Residents, Guardians and Sponsor of Positive or Probable Cases of COVID-19
* Health Director’s Order Re: Rescinding Director’s Order for Performing COVID-19 Testing

## Court closures, March 17 through November 4[edit]

See also: State court closures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

* May 19, 2020: The Ohio Jury Trial Advisory Group issued a report and recommendations titled, “Standards and Practices Essential to the Resumption of Jury Trials in Ohio.” The recommendations, prepared for Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, outlined how the court might safely resume jury trials following the coronavirus pandemic, including social distancing during voir dire, and sanitization of courthouse facilities.[31]
* May 8, 2020: The Ohio Supreme Court issued “Responsible RestartOhio Court Access Plan,” which provided guidelines for the operation of Ohio’s judicial system. The plan included providing daily health assessments of employees and establishing a process for the sanitation and cleaning of court facilities.[32]
* March 17. 2020: State courts in Ohio were open and adhering to CDC recommendations.[33] Numerous localities have suspended or delayed trials.[34]

## Legislative session changes, March 20 through October 1[edit]

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

The Ohio State Legislature suspended legislative activity on an uncertain date. The House reconvened on May 6, 2020. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on May 13, 2020.[35][36]

## Proposed and enacted legislation, March 25 through August 19[edit]

See also: State laws in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

See below for a complete list of bills related to the coronavirus pandemic in Ohio. To learn more about a particular bill, click its title. This information is provided by BillTrack50 and LegiScan.

## Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies, April 9 through November 24[edit]

See also: Changes to rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

* As of April 6, 2020, Ohio had not implemented any policies related to evictions or foreclosures in response to the coronavirus.
* On April 1, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) issued an executive order requesting landlords suspend evictions for commercial tenants inability to pay rent due to the coronavirus pandemic for 90 days.[37]
* Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor asked municipal courts to limit eviction and foreclosure proceedings.[38]

## Prison inmate release responses, March 30 through July 1[edit]

See also: State and local governments that released prison inmates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

* May 26, 2020: The Supreme Court of the United States declined to stay an order issued by U.S. District Judge James Gwin that would require the government to move hundreds of at-risk inmates from federal prison. The Department of Justice appealed Gwin’s order, first to the Sixth Circuit (who declined to act) and then to the Supreme Court. The court’s statement noted that Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Neil M. Gorsuch would have granted the administration’s request.[39]
* May 19, 2020: On May 19, U.S. District Court Judge James Gwin for the Northern District of Ohio ordered the Bureau of Prisons to expedite the release of 837 medically vulnerable inmates in Ohio’s Elkton Federal Correctional Institute through home confinement or compassionate release due to the coronavirus pandemic. In his order, the judge cited “poor progress in transferring the subclass members out of Elkton through the various means referenced in the Court’s preliminary injunction order.” The ruling follows a class action habeas petition filed by the ACLU of Ohio and the Ohio Justice and Policy Center.[40]
* April 22, 2020: U.S. District Court Judge James Gwin for the Northern District of Ohio ordered the transfer or release of certain vulnerable inmate populations from Elkton prison, a federal prison in Ohio, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Inmates who are older with underlying health conditions are considered for transfer out of the prison through, but not limited to, compassionate release, parole or community supervision, transfer furlough, or non-transfer furlough within two weeks. Those who are deemed ineligible, but are still vulnerable, will be transferred to another Bureau of Prisons facility where measures, such as testing and social distancing, can be taken.[41]

* April 16, 2020: Gov. Mike DeWine authorized the release of 105 inmates who were near the end of their sentences. The releases were approved by Ohio's Correctional Institution Inspection Committee. The inmates released were nonviolent offenders with no warrants in other states or significant prison rule violations and were within 90 days of their initial release date.[42]
* April 14, 2020: Ohio's Correctional Institution Inspection Committee, at the request of Gov. Mike DeWine, approved the early release of 141 inmates due to the coronavirus pandemic. The inmates considered for release were within 90 days of their original release date and were not convicted of violent or sex offenses.[43]
* April 3, 2020: Gov. Mike DeWine announced that his administration recommended the release of 38 inmates, who had not been convicted of violent offenses, due to coronavirus.[44] A few counties made the decision to release incarcerated individuals on the local level.[45]

## Debate in Ohio over responses to the coronavirus[edit]

See also: Debate in Ohio over responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Ballotpedia is covering the debate over continuing restrictions and closures in Ohio in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Click on the links below to read more about these debates.

* Debate over re-opening
* Debate over the stay-at-home order
* Debate over school closures
* Debate over religious service restrictions
* Debate over election policy
* Debate over abortion and coronavirus policy

## Status of industries, May 15 through July 31[edit]

Between May 15 and July 31, we conducted detailed tracking of industries and activities in each state daily.

* "Yes" means an activity was allowed or an industry was permitted to open. "No" means an activity was not allowed or an industry was not permitted to reopen.
* Some rules were applied regionally rather than statewide. Each cell shows the loosest restriction in place at the time, or the broadest level of an activity permitted in the state, even if that activity was only permitted regionally. Where applicable, we indicated that an activity was only permitted regionally, and provided details in a cell note. For example, if gyms were permitted to open in half of a state, the spreadsheet would say "Yes (regionally)," and differences between the regions would be explained in a note.
* A lack of detail in a note or parentheses does not necessarily mean that an activity or industry was "back to normal." We did our best to capture caveats, exceptions, and modifications to activities. We acknowledge, though, that states put forth a large number of requirements for many industries and activities.

## Initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures[edit]

Ohio released an initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures on April 27, 2020. An analysis of this plan appeared in our Documenting America's Path to Recovery newsletter on May 20. The sections below include an analysis of the plan, the details of the plan, and reactions from officials to the plan.

### Summary from Documenting America's Path to Recovery[edit]

See also: Documenting America's Path to Recovery: May 20, 2020

On April 27, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R), Lt. Gov. Jon Husted (R), and Director of the Ohio Department of Health Amy Acton announced the Responsible Restart Ohio plan. The initial plan included extending certain stay-at-home protocols and allowing sectors including manufacturing, offices, and retail to reopen between May 4 and May 12 under specified guidelines. Subsequent orders from the state health department have allowed other sectors to reopen. The Restart plan includes protocols that all businesses must follow, such as requiring employees to wear face coverings and limiting capacity to meet social distancing guidelines. The plan also includes sector-specific requirements and recommendations for 14 types of businesses and additional guidance for healthcare services and hospitals. Nine sector-specific advisory groups are responsible for advising on best practices. On April 27, DeWine said, "We put this plan together based on all the information we have about how dangerous COVID-19 still is right now, balanced with the fact that it's also dangerous to have people not working. … COVID-19 is still out there. It's still killing people. We're asking Ohioans to be reasonable and rational. Please don't take huge chances, and please use common sense when you go out and where you go out." On May 19, DeWine announced the end of the Stay Safe Ohio order and its replacement by the Ohioans Protecting Ohioans Urgent Health Advisory. He said the state is shifting from requirements to strong recommendations for some measures because Ohioans have avoided overwhelming hospitals, the number of secondary infections caused by an initially infected person are down, and best practices for reopening businesses are in place.

#### Context[edit]

* The Ohio Department of Health issued a stay-at-home order effective 11:59 p.m. on March 23, set to expire April 6. It ordered people to stay home except for essential activities and to maintain a distance of six feet in public, limited gatherings to no more than 10 people, and ordered nonessential businesses to close (dine-in and personal services were ordered closed between March 15 and 19). The health department amended the order with additional restrictions on April 2, extending it until May 1.
* The health department issued the Stay Safe Ohio order on April 30, continuing several stay-at-home protocols and allowing for certain sectors to reopen under specified guidelines. The Ohio Department of Health has released additional orders allowing other sectors to reopen, and the governor's office and health department released a timeline for further reopenings. On May 19, DeWine announced the Stay Safe order was replaced ahead of its May 29 expiration date with an advisory.
* As of May 19, Ohio had 28,952 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 1,720 confirmed and probable deaths. Ohio had an estimated population of 11.7 million as of July 2019. Ohio had 247.7 cases per 100,000 residents and 14.7 deaths per 100,000 residents.
* Ohio is a Republican trifecta, with a Republican governor and Republican majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.

#### Ohioans Protecting Ohioans Urgent Health Advisory[edit]

At the time of this writing, the advisory replacing the Stay Safe Ohio order had not yet been signed. The following information is from DeWine's press briefing and a press release on May 19. The health advisory includes the following recommendations:

* Maintain six feet of social distancing
* Wash hands frequently
* Vulnerable individuals (65 and older, or any age with an underlying health condition) stay home as much as possible, avoid crowds, and wear a mask when out
* All residents stay at home as much as possible
* Not traveling unnecessarily

The advisory removes a 14-day quarantine period for people traveling into or returning to Ohio. The advisory announcement also said, "those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have not recovered, those who are presumptively diagnosed with COVID-19, and those who are exhibiting the symptoms identified in the screening guidance available from the CDC and the Ohio Department of Health" may not enter the state except in certain circumstances. The 10-person gathering size limit and requirements on businesses to follow social distancing and sanitation guidelines remain in place.

#### Protocols for businesses[edit]

All businesses must: “

* Require face coverings for employees and recommend them for clients/customers at all times.
* Conduct daily health assessments by employers and employees (self-evaluation) to determine if "fit for duty."
* Maintain good hygiene at all times – hand washing, sanitizing and social distancing.
* Clean and sanitize workplaces throughout workday and at the close of business or between shifts.
* Limit capacity to meet social distancing guidelines.
* Establish maximum capacity at 50% of fire code.
* And, use appointment setting where possible to limit congestion.

” When a COVID-19 infection is identified, employers must: “

* Immediately report employee or customer infections to the local health district.
* Work with local health department to identify potentially exposed individuals to help facilitate appropriate communication/contact tracing.
* Shutdown shop/floor for deep sanitation if possible.
* Professionally clean and sanitize site/location.
* Reopen in consultation with the local health department.

” See the Ohio Department of Health's Checklist for Businesses/Employers for additional guidance.

#### Timeline[edit]

Businesses could reopen according to the following schedule if they could meet general and sector-specific requirements. May 1 * Healthcare providers

* Dentists
* Veterinarians

May 4 * General office workplaces

* Manufacturing, distribution, and construction

May 12 * Consumer and retail services May 15 * Personal services (including tattoo shops, body piercings, hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, spas)

* Massage, cosmetic therapy, acupuncture
* Outdoor dining at restaurants and bars

May 21 * Dine-in services at restaurants and bars

* Campgrounds

May 22 * Horse racing (no spectators) May 26 * Gyms and fitness centers

* Swimming pools that are regulated by local health departments
* No-contact/limited-contact sports leagues
* Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles for certain services

May 31 * Child care

* Day camps

#### Sector-specific guidelines[edit]

The Ohio Department of Health had released the following requirements and recommendations for specific sectors as of May 20:

* Camping and Campgrounds
* Child Care
* Consumer, Retail & Services
* Day Camps
* General Office Environments
* Gyms, Dance Instruction Studios, and Other Personal Fitness Venues
* Local Pools, Public Pools, and Aquatic Centers
* Manufacturing, Distribution & Construction
* Restaurants and Bars
* Restaurant Food Establishment Guidance
* Sectors Licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio: Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Cosmetic Therapy
* Hair Salons, Day Spas, Nail Salons, Barbershops, Tanning Facilities, Tattoo Services and Body Piercings
* Adult and Youth Baseball and Softball Leagues
* Golf Course Operator
* Tennis Court Operators
* Responsible RestartOhio for Health Care Webinar
* Responsible RestartOhio A Guide For Health Care
* Responsible RestartOhio for Health Care Slides
* Healthcare Procedures & Hospitals COVID-19 Checklist

#### Reactions[edit]

* After DeWine announced his initial plan on April 27, state House Speaker Larry Householder (R) said the following on the May 12 reopening date for retail:

"There is a tremendous amount of frustration from the majority of members in the Ohio House regarding the Administration's unwillingness to recognize that small businesses that have much less daily traffic in their stores are closed while their large chain competitors have been open throughout the process.

As long as small retailers continue to be shut down while national chains are allowed to remain open, government is assisting in the demise of many great small businesses. The big get bigger and the small go away."

* On May 8, WCBE reported that Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper said:

"No child care? Tough luck. Let’s protect any company that opened unhealthily from liability. You lose your unemployment because you didn’t feel safe. All the risks of this reopening from my view are being pushed down to the worker."

* A joint statement from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, National Federation of Independent Businesses Ohio Chapter, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Manufacturers Association, and Ohio Business Roundtable said of the April 27 plan:

"Today’s announcement on the reopening strategies of Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted are responsible first steps to Ohio getting back to business. For many businesses in Ohio, the staged reopening of commerce beginning May 1 through May 12 is a relief. We appreciate that the DeWine Administration listened to the business community as well as relevant experts in establishing the required safety protocols."

* The Ohio Municipal League said of the April 27 plan:

"The decisions being made by the Governor reflect the difficult choices in balancing the potential health consequences of reengaging Ohio’s economy with the realities that the prolonged interruption of economic activity will have on our state and our communities. We appreciate the Governor and administration officials for their continued communication with Ohio’s municipal leaders and for the partnership in addressing the challenges facing those on our front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic."

## Coronavirus resources[edit]

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

### State resources[edit]

* Office of the Governor of Ohio
* Ohio Department of Health
* Ohio Department of Education

Twitter feeds for government officials and agencies appear below.

### Federal resources[edit]

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
* National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
* Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
* U.S. Department of Education
* World Health Organization

## See also[edit]

* Documenting America's Path to Recovery
* Ohio’s path to recovery from the coronavirus pandemic
* School responses in Ohio to the coronavirus pandemic
* School responses to the coronavirus pandemic by state
* COVID-19 vaccine distribution by state
* Travel restrictions by state
* Federal government responses to the coronavirus pandemic

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, "A. Philip Randolph Institute v. LaRose: Order," October 9, 2020
2. ↑ United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, "A. Philip Randolph Institute v. LaRose: Opinion and Order," October 8, 2020
3. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Federal judge strikes down Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s limit on ballot drop boxes," October 8, 2020
4. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Appeals court says it’s up to Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose whether counties can have multiple ballot drop boxes," October 2, 2020
5. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Ohio counties can offer expanded ballot collection options, but only at a single site, Secretary of State Frank LaRose says," October 5, 2020
6. ↑ Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, "Ohio Democratic Party v. LaRose: Entry Granting Preliminary Injunction, and Granting Stay Pending Appeal," September 16, 2020
7. ↑ Ohio Court of Appeals for the Tenth Appellate District, "Ohio Democratic Party v. LaRose: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose's Opening Merits Brief," September 21, 2020
8. ↑ Reuters, "Ohio to keep ballot-box limits for now after judge calls them 'unreasonable,'" September 15, 2020
9. ↑ Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, "Ohio Democratic Party v. LaRose: Opinion," September 15, 2020
10. ↑ Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, "Ohio Democratic Party v. LaRose: Decision and Entry on Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction," September 11, 2020
11. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, "LAROSE SENDS 48-POINT GUIDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNTY BOARDS," August 12, 2020
12. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, "2020 PRIMARY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS," accessed March 27, 2020
13. ↑ Ohio General Assembly, "HB 197 (enrolled)," accessed March 27, 2020
14. ↑ WDTN News 2, "Coronavirus in Ohio Friday update: 1,137 COVID-19 cases confirmed, 19 deaths," March 27, 2020
15. ↑ United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, "League of Women Voters of Ohio v. LaRose: Opinion and Order," April 3, 2020
16. ↑ WOSU Public Media, "Coronavirus In Ohio: Judge Denies Request To Delay Primary Election Until June 2," March 16, 2020
17. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Judge denies request to delay Ohio primary election until June over coronavirus," March 16, 2020
18. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Gov. Mike DeWine wants to postpone Ohio’s Tuesday primary election till June 2 due to coronavirus," March 16, 2020
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 The Daily Record, "Coronavirus: Ohio election is off despite judge’s ruling, DeWine, LaRose say," March 16, 2020
20. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Citing health emergency, Ohio officials to order polls closed on Election Day, despite judge’s ruling," March 16, 2020
21. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
22. ↑ The Columbus Dispatch, "Coronavirus: Ohio Supreme Court allows delay to primary election," March 17, 2020
23. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, "Corona Facts," accessed March 17, 2020
24. ↑ Supreme Court of Ohio, "Ohio Democratic Party v. LaRose: Complaint," March 17, 2020
25. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Ohio offering curbside voting, loosening absentee voting rules for quarantined and hospitalized due to coronavirus," March 16, 2020
26. ↑ USA Today, "Ohio offering curbside voting, extending absentee deadline for those in hospital in wake of coronavirus," March 16, 2020
27. ↑ [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P_GpxP8LHlMu3mqymKQA99jMSDN0z7qt/view Ohio Department of Health', "Director's Stay At Home Order", March 22, 2020
28. ↑ FOX19, "Expanded stay-at-home order takes effect Monday," April 6, 2020
29. ↑ NBC4I, "‘Stay safe Ohio’ order extends stay at home until May 29, with exceptions," April 30, 2020
30. ↑ Mike DeWine Governor of Ohio, "COVID-19 Update: Ohioans Protecting Ohioans Urgent Health Advisory," May 19, 2020
31. ↑ Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `May20`
32. ↑ Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `May11`
33. ↑ The Supreme Court of Ohio & The Ohio Judicial System, "Coronavirus Resources," accessed March 17, 2020
34. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus & The Courts," accessed March 19, 2020
35. ↑ Multistate, "2020 Legislative Session Dates," accessed March 20, 2020
36. ↑ The Ohio Legislature, "Session Schedule," accessed April 28, 2020
37. ↑ Mike DeWine Governor of Ohio, "Commercial Evictions and Foreclosures," April 1, 2020
38. ↑ Million Acres, "Cities and States That Have Paused Evictions Due to COVID-19," April, 3, 2020
39. ↑ The Washington Post, "Supreme Court won’t stop Ohio order for prisoners to be moved or released because of coronavirus," May 26, 2020
40. ↑ United States District Court Nothern District of Ohio, "Order on Motion to Enforce," May 19, 2020
41. ↑ United States District Court Northern District of Ohio "Craig Wilson, et al., vs. Mark Williams, et al.," April 22, 2020
42. ↑ City Beat, "DeWine Authorizes Release of 105 Inmates as Coronavirus Cases in Ohio Prisons Swell into the Hundreds," April 16, 2020
43. ↑ Cincinnati.com, "Coronavirus in Ohio: Lawmakers recommend release of about 141 non-violent inmates near end of sentences," April 14, 2020
44. ↑ [ Scene, "DeWine Recommends Release of 38 Ohio Prison Inmates Due to Coronavirus; Advocates Want Many More Released," April 3, 2020]
45. ↑ Washington Post, ""‘Disaster waiting to happen’: Thousands of inmates released as jails and prisons face coronavirus threat," March 25, 2020

v • e

Political responses to the coronavirus pandemic, 2020-2021

Overviews|

Overview • Changes to election dates and procedures • Newsletter: Documenting America's Path to Recovery • Newsletter: Roundup of weekly updates • Ballotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemic • Resources for citizens • Terms and definitions

* * *

Articles by Type|

Federal policy responses • State government responses • Local government responses • Diagnosed or quarantined incumbents, candidates, and officials • State legislative session changes • State legislative responses • State executive orders •  Eviction and foreclosure policies • Travel restrictions • School responses (2021-2022) • School responses (2020-2021) • School responses (2019-2020) • State court closures • Stay-at-home order status • States that issued stay-at-home orders • States that did not issue stay-at-home orders • Changes to ballot measure campaigns and policies • Changes to vote-by-mail and absentee voting procedures • Initial key federal official responses • Arguments in support of and opposition to government responses • Lawsuits • Multistate agreements • Non-governmental plans to reopen • Unemployment filings • Analysis articles • Paycheck Protection Program • Mask requirements • School budget changes • State budgets • Federal definitions of essential and nonessential businesses • Federal aid to states • Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program • State emergency power authority • Changes to state emergency power authority • Municipal emergency power authority • Halloween guidelines • Vaccine distribution plans • State plans to end federal unemployment • Changes to emergency power laws • Active COVID-19 emergency orders • State vaccine requirement (vaccine passport) policies • Recalls related to the pandemic • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on school responses to the coronavirus • State employee vaccine requirements • Healthcare worker vaccine requirements

* * *

State responses to coronavirus|

Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

* * *

State paths to recovery|

Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

* * *

State school responses|

Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

* * *

Coronavirus debate topics|

Elections • Protests • Religious service restrictions • School closures  • State lockdown

* * *

Coronavirus debate by state|

Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

v • e

State of Ohio
Columbus (capital)

|

Elections |

What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2021 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures

Government |

Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy