Ohio
Small Business Association

Governor Mike DeWine (R) has taken executive action that does the following:

• Declares a state of emergency in response to COVID-19. The emergency allows state departments and agencies to better coordinate in their response.
• Lifts certain unemployment compensation benefit restrictions.
• Requests landlords to suspend for at least 90 days, rent payments for small businesses and a moratorium on evictions of small businesses.
• Announces the Ohio Responsible Restart plan to gradually re-open the economy of Ohio. The website created has listed safety protocols for businesses, what businesses must remain closed currently, sector specific operating requirements, and more.
• Waives requirements for commercial vehicles to file single trip permits if transporting emergency relief supplies.
• Allows restaurants to begin on-premise dining May 21. Restaurants must follow the Ohio Department of Health guidelines and best practices which includes but is not limited to using mobile ordering and payment processing; requiring employees to wear face coverings; limiting capacity; and more.

The following emergency rules have been issued in response to COVID-19:

• The Director of the Department of Health issued an order rescinding portions of previous orders that required residents to stay at home or place of residence. This is effective May 20. This order prohibits those who have tested positive or are exhibiting symptoms from entering the State unless under medical orders or are permanent residents.
• The Secretary of the Department of Health has issued an order that reopened gyms, dance instruction studios, and other personal fitness venues under strict protocols. This was effective May 22.
• The Secretary of the Department of Health has issued guidance for Baseball, Softball, Batting Cages, Golf Courses, Miniature Golf, Local and Public Pools and Aquatic Centers, Tennis Facilities, Skills Training for All Sports, and General Non-Contact Sports including Bowling Alleys.
• The Director of the Ohio Department of Health has prohibited mass gatherings of 100 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time. This order does not pertain to normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, or other spaces where 100 or more persons may be in transit. It does not include office environments, schools, restaurants, factories, or retail grocery stores. This order does not apply to religious gatherings or gatherings for the purpose of the expression of the First Amendment.
• The Director of the Department of Health has issued an order reopening campgrounds under strict protocols.