All bars and restaurants in Ohio are ordered closed as of 9 p.m. Sunday until further notice, said Gov. Mike DeWine, who is taking a tough stance on trying to stem the coronavirus saying “if we don’t take these actions now, it’ll be too late.”
DeWine said what he called “very drastic action” was prompted by concerns from around the state about crowded bars. He said takeout and delivery would still be allowed.
Local bars and restaurants posted updates on Sunday evening after the governor’s orders were announced. The Brackens Pub announced it was serving its last drink by 9 p.m. Cafe Paradiso announced it is huddling with managers and employees to handle the demand for takeout orders. Paradiso owners implored customers to be sure they are free from cold/flu symptoms for at least 24 hours before entering the cafe to buy take-out orders.
For those who are preparing to cook more meals at home and practice further social distancing, grocery shoppers on Sunday evening found the predictable empty shelves in the toilet paper and cleaning aisles — and also nearly-empty shelves in the bread, flour and sugar aisles. Canned fruit was nearly gone from the grocery shelves, but Kroger in Urbana was well-stocked with fresh milks and eggs.
Kroger and Walmart in Urbana were both preparing to close before midnight, a massive change for the 24-hour stores, in order to restock, disinfect and reopen early Monday morning.
DeWine said he understood the impact on small businesses and steps would be taken to mitigate the suffering.
“What we’ve done this week is drastic action, but we’re taking these steps to save lives,” DeWine tweeted.
The governor said earlier in the day that it was possible that Ohio schools may be closed for the rest of the academic year.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommended Sunday night that gatherings of 50 people or more in the U.S. be canceled or postponed in the next 8 weeks because of the coronavirus.
The city of Columbus announced Sunday that a firefighter/emergency medical technician had tested positive for COVID-19. The firefighter has been isolated at home and 31 firefighters who had contact with the individual are being evaluated.
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium joined the list of organizations announcing temporary closures.
A look at the latest developments in Ohio:
DeWINE GETTING TOUGH
DeWine said he doesn’t know when bars and restaurants will reopen.
“How long this order will be in effect, we don’t frankly know,” DeWine told reporters Sunday afternoon. “It will be in effect as long as it needs to.”
DeWine said he understood the “brutally tough” impact on small businesses and steps would be taken to mitigate the suffering.
“Delay means more people will die,” he said. ”Literally every day we delay, the data clearly shows that more people will die.” More than that, he said, the Ohio health care system “will not hold up” for others with urgent needs, such as those with strokes or heart attacks.
“People will die if we do not do not make these decisions,” he said.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said an executive order would be signed to enable workers who do not have paid leave benefits to access unemployment compensation during the emergency. Others steps would help bar and restaurant owners return liquor purchased for holiday or sporting events and to allow businesses and nonprofits help through disaster loans, he said.
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SCHOOL CLOSINGS
DeWine says it’s possible Ohio schools may be closed for the rest of the academic year.
Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Nation” Sunday morning, DeWine cited projections that the virus may not peak until the latter part of April or May.
DeWine on Thursday ordered every school in Ohio to close for three weeks beginning at day’s end Monday. He and Health Director Dr. Amy Acton acknowledged the hardships and disruptions that the order will create but said it’s necessary to help Ohio through the crisis.
The governor’s comments came a day after Ohio’s reported cases of the coronavirus doubled to 26. In Franklin County, local officials reported two more cases Sunday.
Acton issued an order banning gatherings of over 100 people. The ban is not absolute and exempts airports, workplaces, restaurants, religious gatherings, weddings and funerals and other events.
The Champaign County Library will be closing its Urbana and North Lewisburg locations beginning Tuesday, March 17 until Monday, April 6, 2020.
Under the guidance of the governor’s office and the Champaign County Health District, this determination was made in the best interest of public safety in order to promote social distancing and to not overwhelm the library’s ability to disinfect returned items. (See more about the county library locations elsewhere on the UDC website.)
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CASES
As of Sunday, there were 36 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ohio and 350 people under investigation, Acton said, but she emphasized that such cases were only “the tip of the iceberg.” There have been no reported deaths in the state.
For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death. The vast majority of people recover.
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ZOO CLOSURES:
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium joined the list of organizations announcing temporary closures amid the outbreak.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium officials announced a temporary closure as of Monday, while noting that there have been no known cases of exposure to the virus there.
Cleveland Metroparks said the zoo will close beginning Monday until at least March 31. Cleveland Metroparks indoor public facilities will also be closed and all events and programs are canceled.
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