Governor Orders Ohio Bars, Restaurants to Close Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
Cover photo of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine from the Air Force Museum
Melody Conrad
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Gov. Mike DeWine ordered Ohio bars and restaurants to close by 9 p.m. Sunday due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Carry-out and delivery will still be permitted, along with buying alcohol at a store or drive-thru.
DeWine said he is unsure when the ban will be lifted.
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“This is brutally tough… but we have to do what we have to do to save lives,” DeWine said during a press conference.
More closures can be expected in the coming days, DeWine said, including senior centers and daycares. He also signaled that Ohio’s school closure would have to be extended.
The ban is an attempt to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed. As of 2 p.m. Sunday, there are 36 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio.
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley praised DeWine’s decision, tweeting: “Thank you @GovMikeDeWine, for making this incredibly difficult decision. We know this action will save lives.”
The governor also announced changes to the state’s unemployment law to help affected workers. Those out of work due to these closures will not have to seek work to qualify and Ohio’s one-week waiting period to receive unemployment benefits will be waived.
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