CEDARVILLE, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says the statewide curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. every night will stay in place past January 23.
DeWine made the announcement during his COVID-19 press briefing on Thursday.
The curfew was supposed to end this weekend, but DeWine stated it will continue because of where the numbers are in terms of the total amount of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
The governor added that the COVID numbers have to come down before the curfew can be lifted, however he did not provide an official timeline or date for the extension.
According to DeWine, state health officials are balancing to make sure people can make a living, yet not letting the virus get out of control.
"As Governor, I have to try to keep this virus down. At the same time, we're getting the vaccines out as quickly as we can," DeWine said.
The curfew, which started in November, does not apply to anyone going to and from work or someone in need of medical care. The curfew is also not intended to stop anyone from getting groceries or going to the pharmacy.
Picking up carry-out or a drive-thru meal and ordering for delivery is permitted under the curfew, but serving food and drink within a bar or restaurant must cease by 10 p.m.
The original order can be read here.
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You can watch Gov. DeWine's Thursday COVID-19 briefing in the player below: