COLUMBUS, Ohio – Gov. Mike DeWine has announced Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton has signed a stay-at-home order for Ohio.
DeWine said the stay-at-home order will start to be enforced Tuesday by local health departments and local law enforcement, and last for at least two weeks.
"There is nothing in the order that we haven't already been talking about. There is nothing in this that I haven't been asking you to do for the last few weeks," DeWine said.
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People may only leave their homes for reasons related to health and safety, to obtain necessary services or supplies, for outdoor activity, to take care of others or to perform a job deemed essential.
Leaving home for an ineligible reason is punishable by a second-degree misdemeanor.
"You can leave home to take care of others. You can take care of your neighbor, your family, your friend," he said.
MORE: Where can I go? Is my job essential? What Ohio's 'stay at home' order means for you
The second part of the order talks about essential workers and businesses using Homeland Security guidelines. These are the accepted businesses that are essential for us to continue to live.
"Each business that stays open must follow good protocol in regard to health," DeWine said.
Essential sectors designated by DeWine were broad.
They include working in health care and government functions, including emergency management, law enforcement and human services. Grocery stores, hotels, funeral homes, laundromats, gas stations, pharmacies, hardware stores and banks are to remain open.
Jobs in transportation, utilities, municipal services construction and building and maintenance are also deemed essential.
However, businesses deemed essential must undertake measures that include social distancing, providing hand sanitizer and having separate opening hours for elderly and vulnerable customers.
The order will go into effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday and stay in effect until April 6.
You can read the full stay-at-home order issued by Dr. Amy Acton here.
You can watch their press conference in the player below.
Below is a look at how the coronavirus situation has rapidly evolved in Ohio and the actions ordered by Gov. DeWine:
MARCH 10, 2020
DeWine recommends Ohio's colleges and universities begin online learning. He also suggests no spectators for indoor sporting events.
MARCH 12, 2020
DeWine orders all K-12 schools in Ohio to close for three weeks starting at the end of classes March 16 through April 3.
DeWine issues ban on "mass gatherings" of more than 100 people.
MARCH 15, 2020
DeWine orders all restaurants and bars to be closed indefinitely. Carryout and delivery orders are still permitted.
DeWine makes adjustments to Ohio's unemployment requirements, allowing those impacted to file without the one-week waiting period prior to receiving benefits.
MARCH 16, 2020
DeWine ordered the closure of all fitness centers, gyms, bowling alleys, public recreation centers, movie theaters, indoor water parks, trampolines, etc.
As part of the CDC's adjusted guidelines, no gatherings of more than 50 people will be permitted in the state of Ohio.
MARCH 17, 2020
DeWine ordered elective surgeries be postponed as a preemptive measure to ensure that Ohio has as many resources available as coronavirus cases increase.
MARCH 18, 2020
DeWine ordered all barbershops, hair and nail salons and tattoo parlors to close.
MARCH 20, 2020
DeWine announced he will be issuing an executive order to close all facilities providing older adult day care and senior centers.
MARCH 21, 2020
DeWine orders closure of adult day services for those with developmental disabilities.
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