Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases around Ohio, a new curfew has been issued.
Starting Thursday, November 19, Ohioans will be under a stay-at-home order from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night. The curfew will remain in place for the next 21 days.
The order doesn’t affect those who are going to work, those who need to be out due to emergencies, and stores and businesses will be open for people to get groceries or take-out food during those hours.
We are issuing a curfew in Ohio that will start Thursday. This will run from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for 21 days. We believe this will help reduce #COVID19 spread. I'm also asking each Ohioan every day to do at least one thing that reduces your contact with others.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) November 17, 2020
“We believe this going to help,” DeWine said during his press conference. “It will reduce some of the contacts that are taking place.”
The governor is also asking Ohioans to do at least one thing to cut down contact with others, like meeting virtually or avoiding gatherings.
Dr. Vanderhoff: We are at a critical juncture. We need to protect our healthcare workers. Even if we take necessary changes immediately, it will take weeks before we see improvement in hospital numbers. Even if you don't believe in masks, please wear one. pic.twitter.com/o9fpnALy0q
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) November 17, 2020
The state of Ohio is still under a State of Emergency and gatherings should be 10 people or less.
As of Tuesday, Ohio added 7,079 new coronavirus cases bringing the total number of cases to 312,443. That number is down slightly from the seven-day average. However, a record 3,648 COVID-19-positive patients were hospitalized on Tuesday and 897 were in intensive-care units.
Ohio has lost 5,772 people to COVID-19 since the pandemic began. For more information, please visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.