COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Ohio's economy continues the process of reopening, a new set of businesses has been given a date in which they will be permitted to reopen.
On Tuesday, Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Huston revealed that tattoo, piercing and massage businesses, which have been closed since mid-March, have been given permission to reopen on May 15.
Originally, tattoo, piercing and massage businesses had not been included in the set of personal services that were previously given permission to reopen on May 15, such as salons, barbershops and day spas. Husted, however, said that the state has since received the proper guidance for reopening these businesses amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which will allow them to reopen this week with safety protocols in place.
On May 1, Ohio began the process of reopening its economy with dentists, veterinarians and expanded hospital services. Retail stores have been permitted to reopen beginning on Tuesday, with outdoor dining at bars and restaurants allowed to resume on May 15 and indoor dining permitted on May 21.
According to Husted, more than 90 percent of the state's economy will be reopened by the end of the week. Ohio is still receiving guidance on how to safely reopen industries that remain closed, including gyms, casinos and outdoor activities.
As of Tuesday, Ohio has 25,250 confirmed and probable positive coronavirus cases, including 4,539 hospitalizations, 1,232 ICU admissions and 1,436 deaths. Dating back to the discovery of the state's first coronavirus case, DeWine put a number of measures in place to encourage physical distancing, including a stay-at-home order on March 23.