Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced a statewide curfew starting Thursday, November 19. The new health order, which has not yet been signed, will last 21 days. DeWine hopes this change will reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus in Ohio, which has dramatically increased in recent weeks. The goal is to cut down on social gatherings – in bars and in homes – that anecdotally are causing some of the spread.
The curfew is in lieu of threatened closures of restaurants, bars, and gyms outright, DeWine's spokesman confirmed to The Cincinnati Enquirer.
DeWine said …
“We’re not shutting down we’re slowing down. The curfew is aimed at helping to reduce the number of person-to-person contacts because the only way the virus lives is when it goes from one person to another. We have to flatten this curve again and get this under control.”
(Kim Schupp. “Gov. DeWine announces statewide curfew to slow COVID-19 spread.” Fox 19 Cincinnati. November 17, 2020.)
After looking at the option of closing indoor dining, DeWine said shutting it down a second time seemed misguided because the state has no money to support those businesses if it were to force them to close indoor service. There would be no relief for business owners. With PPP loans exhausted and unemployment stimulus weakened, less relief would be available for the industry if dining was shut down a second time.
(Pete Grieve. “Three-Week Curfew Starts Thursday for Ohio, DeWine Says.” Spectrum News. November 17, 2020.)
Under the curfew Ohioans will be required to stay home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. with some exceptions for work, groceries, hospital visits and emergencies. The penalty for violating a state health order is a second-degree misdemeanor, but orders are rarely enforced.
"We do not expect law enforcement to go pull people over," DeWine said Tuesday. But, he said if officers see people hanging out at 10:30 p.m., they have cause to approach them and ask them.
Violation of the curfew is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine. Ohio lawmakers attempted to reduce it, but DeWine vetoed that effort. DeWine said Tuesday he wasn't aware of anyone being charged for violating a health order during the pandemic.
DeWine said he would re-evaluate the order on December 10.
Jackie Borchardt of the Cincinnati Enquirer offers the following details on the new health order:
What businesses will close?
DeWine said the order establishes a curfew on individuals, not businesses. No businesses are expected to be closed by the order. But businesses may decide to close during curfew hours.
DeWine said pharmacies and grocery stores will stay open and people can pick up medicine or buy groceries during the curfew hours.
What if I have to work late?
Third-shift manufacturing is not affected. Everyone who has to work during those hours still can. Unlike Ohio's spring stay-at-home order, jobs aren't categorized as essential or non-essential.
Can I get takeout or delivery?
Yes, stopping in a bar or restaurant for pick-up orders, as well as delivery orders, are allowed.
Can I hang out at a friend's house?
Yes, but "be home by 10'clock," DeWine said. Ohio also has a health order in place limiting indoor gatherings to 10 people who don't live together. It's also recommended to wear face coverings and keep windows open to improve ventilation, DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney said.
Additional Considerations
Caring for a pet or loved one is allowed – including walking pets, bringing children to child care, and taking a relative to the airport.
Of course, there are also exemptions for seeking medical care.
Casinos won't close under the order.
The order won't have an exception for Black Friday sales. The curfew will apply to wedding venues
(Jackie Borchardt. “What you can and can't do under Ohio's three-week COVID-19 curfew.” The Cincinnati Enquirer. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2020/11/17/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-ohios-covid-19-curfew/6330062002/ November 17, 2020.)
The Ohio Restaurant Association and Ohio Chamber of Commerce supported the temporary curfew, especially as DeWine was considering closing bars and restaurants in response to rising cases.
"We believe the curfew is the best choice to slow things down right now," Ohio Restaurant Association president and CEO John Barker said during DeWine’s Tuesday briefing.
Still, businesses could choose to close earlier if Ohioans aren't out after 10 p.m.
Currently, Ohio establishments with a liquor license must stop alcohol sales at 10 p.m. and patrons must finish their beverages by 11 p.m., but they can stay open later than that.
(Jessie BalmertJackie Borchardt. “Rather than close businesses, Ohio imposes 3-week curfew. The Cincinnati Enquirer. November 17, 2020.)
“This is a balanced approach that will slow down people coming together and impact the spread of the virus to the point that it can be controlled, and at the same time, not cause a catastrophic effect in the economy,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “You have to care about both the economy and health – you can’t just care about one in isolation. Based on all of the recommendations we considered, a curfew was the most impactful option with the least disruption.”
(Staff Report. “Gov. DeWine announces 21-day statewide curfew… Scheduled to begin Thursday.” The Pomeroy Daily Sentinel. November 17, 2020.)
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