COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on Tuesday said he told the working group members who created guidelines for the reopening of bars and restaurants that he had “grave concerns” about the reports he received about workers being infected by COVID-19.
“Frankly, I expressed to them my concern about why I’m seeing and what was being reported at some bars. Some bars are doing a great job, some are not and I expressed my grave concern about that.”
Columbus restaurants like Barcelona in German Village, The Pint House, Standard Hall and Lincoln Social in the Short North, as well as Cap City Diner in Dublin all closed temporarily after a worker tested positive for COVID-19.
The Pearl Dublin reopened Tuesday night, Cap City Dublin is scheduled to reopen on July 13 and Lincoln Social is scheduled to reopen on July 17.
A reopening date for The Pearl Short North has not been scheduled.
When 10TV asked whether the guidelines for bars and restaurants should be revisited, the governor said overall the guidelines are good.
The governor also reiterated his plans to veto Senate Bill 55. The bill would lower the fines for people who are caught breaking health department orders.
The new language lowered the maximum fine from $750 to $150.
Both the House and the Senate have enough votes to override the governor’s veto but whether they would go-ahead with a vote is unclear.
Editor's note: A previous version of the story said Cap City, Lincoln Social, The Pearl Dublin and The Pearl Short North have all reopened. That is incorrect and the reopening dates have been added above.