COLUMBUS, Ohio — One week after announcing the first phase of how Ohio will begin the process of reopening its economy, Governor Mike DeWine announced what's coming next.
On Thursday, DeWine announced how the state will proceed with reopening businesses that have remained closed, including restaurants and salons amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Among the plans and guidelines DeWine announced on Thursday are the following:
Hair salons, barbershops and personal services
- Hair salons, barbershops, day spas to reopen on May 15.
- Customers will have to wait in car until appointment is ready.
- Only customers will be allowed, with exceptions for children with parents or caregivers.
- No magazines or self serve beverages.
- Masks at salons required for both customers and employees
- Sanitation in-between appointments.
Restaurants and bars
- Restaurants and bars allowed to reopen for outside dining on May 15, inside dining on May 21
- Restaurants and bars will be required to construct floor plans to encourage physical distancing.
- Customers may need to wait in their cars to be seated.
- Public asked to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
- Open congregate spaces such as dance floors will remain closed.
The practices are guidelines were put in place based on suggestions from working groups that consisted of industry members and health experts. Both restaurants and hair salons have remained closed since at least mid-March, as the state put measures in place to encourage physical distancing, including a stay-at-home order since March 23.
"It was like watching the NFL draft and I just got picked first round," says Urban Kutz Barbershop Owner Waverly Willis.
He's been in the process of determining new procedures for opening. Willis hopes to meet with his staff for an in-person walk-through at both of his Cleveland locations next week.
"It's just a blessing, I mean outside of the money, we miss our people, you know, it's just going to be a new normal inside the shop."
On May 1, Ohio began the process of reopening its economy with expanded hospital services, dentists, veterinarians and office buildings, while retail is slated to reopen on May 12.
As of Thursday, Ohio has had 22,131 confirmed and probable positive coronavirus cases, including 4,140 hospitalizations, 1,167 ICU admissions and 1,271 deaths.