Responsible RestartOhio Updates

In yesterday’s press conference, Governor DeWine discussed changes to the “Responsible RestartOhio” guidelines to businesses easing open in the weeks ahead. Find the guidelines here: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/responsible-restart-ohio/.

First issued on April 27, 2020, the guidelines cover “mandatory” actions and “recommended best practices.” Initially, use of face coverings appeared under “mandatory” for employees, vendors, customers and others who come into a business. Yesterday, Governor DeWine announced that face coverings would no longer be mandated, though they will remain a recommended best practice. Businesses retain the option to require all who come into their place of work to wear face coverings.

Businesses should study the guidelines carefully as they determine how to open. While the best practices may not be required by order, businesses could still incur liability for not following them when they reasonably can. As your open date approaches, check back for any updates: the message from yesterday's press conference is that the guidelines may change.