Curfew, Face Coverings, Mass Gathering Updates
Governor Mike DeWine announced that the administration is issuing a statewide curfew that takes effect on Thursday, November 19. Under the curfew, individuals are to be at home from 10PM until 5AM. The curfew lasts for 21 days.
Ohio Statewide Curfew Details
Beginning Thursday, November 19, Ohioans are subject to a statewide curfew from 10PM to 5AM for 21 days. The curfew does not apply to individuals who are:
- At work;
- Commuting to/from work;
- Obtaining food, including grocery shopping or drive through/pickup/delivery services; and
- Obtaining or seeking medical/mental health supplies or treatment.
Face Covering Requirement
As we mentioned in our Friday, November 13, update, a revised face covering order was issued.
With exceptions, the following provisions are applicable to retail businesses:
- Each store must post a sign outlining face-covering requirements at all public entrances;
- Each store is responsible for ensuring that customers and employees are wearing masks; and
- The creation of a new Retail Compliance Unit, to ensure compliance.
Retail stores that violate the order receive a written warning for the first violation. A second violation can result in closure of the store for up to 24 hours. Governor DeWine said agents began visiting retail stores this week.
Mass Gatherings
Also, the Ohio Department of Health formally issued the Revised Order to Limit and/or Prohibit Mass Gatherings in the State of Ohio, with Exceptions, which we previously reported.
The order places the following restrictions on wedding receptions, funeral repasts, and other events at banquet facilities:
- No socializing or activities in open congregate areas and no dancing;
- Guests must be seated at all times, but traditional wedding reception events such as first dance, toasts, tossing the bouquet and cutting the cake are permitted;
- If serving food and beverages, guests must be served at their seats. No self-serve buffets and no self-serve bar areas permitted;
- Masks must be worn at all times, unless actively consuming food or beverages; and
No more than 10 people should be seated at a table and all must be from the same household.