COLUMBUS, Ohio — The surge in coronavirus cases in Ohio in November has caused Gov. Mike DeWine to consider taking drastic measures, including closing the state's restaurants, bars, and fitness centers.
During his statewide address on Wednesday, DeWine announced that his administration will determine on November 19 if the move to shut down will need to take place.
The threat of a possible shutdown was addressed by the Ohio Restaurant Association on Thursday. President and CEO John Barker stated that 'further restrictions would be devastating to an industry that employs 585,000 Ohioans at more than 23,000 locations.'
“Like everyone, we are concerned about the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and are committed to controlling the rising numbers. We are also deeply concerned for the 58% of Ohio restaurants that have indicated they may close their doors permanently if they continue operating at current capacity. Another shutdown of indoor dining would significantly increase the number of restaurants that would be forced to close their doors," said Barker.
Barker also pointed out that the threat of a restaurant and bar shutdown is 'troubling,' considering the steps that the industry has taken to abide by the state's orders, requirements, and recommendations. "Any discussion of another restaurant closure is inconsistent with any science or contact tracing data that we have been provided, which continues to detail that the greatest risk of transmission, is occurring in unregulated private gatherings," he added.
"I am very well aware of the burden this will place on employees and the owners. But, these are places where it is difficult or impossible to maintain mask-wearing, which we know now is the chief way of slowing this virus," DeWine said during his address.
On Thursday, Ohio reported a new daily record high of 7,101 new coronavirus cases. Additionally, all 88 of the state's counties are now to be considered to be "high incidence" in regards to the coronavirus.
Among the measures taken by Gov. DeWine on Wednesday was the reissuing of the state's mask order, with potential punishments for businesses that fail to enforce it. Gov. DeWine also said he would soon be issuing new orders regarding gatherings and activities.
Barker also pointed out that the state's local communities would suffer consequences if restaurants are forced to close or lessen their hours and capacity significantly. "Ohio’s cities and towns would be deeply affected economically, and local health care systems would continue to be overwhelmed because of unregulated, private gatherings," he added.