(11-16-20) Governor Mike DeWine has issued a new health today that will have impact on Ohio business owners and mass gatherings.

The order does not apply to religious observances; First Amendment protected speech, including petition/referendum circulators, and any activity by media; and governmental meetings which include meetings that must be open to public. The order goes into effect Nov. 17 at 12:01 am.

Image may contain: text that says 'Health Order to Limit Mass Gatherings No socializing or activities in open congregate areas and no dancing. Guests must be seated at all times. Traditional wedding reception events such as first dance, toasts, tossing the bouquet, and cutting the cake are permitted. serving food and beverages, guests must be served at their seats. No self-serve buffets and no self-serve bar areas permitted. Masks must be worn at all times unless actively consuming food or beverages. No more than 10 people should be seated at a table and those individuals must be from the same household. coronavirus.ohio.gov'

The health order taking effect includes new requirements for places of business, which may be shut down for failure to comply.

Click to access Gathering%20Order%20FINAL%2011.15.20.pdf
  • All retailers must post and enforce a sign indicating that masks are required at all entrances. Employees are not required to put themselves in jeopardy or risk harm when enforcing this order.
  • All retailers must post at all entrances a maximum capacity limit to ensure a minimum of six-feet physical distance can be maintained throughout the location.
  • All retailers should mark six-feet separation spots in all check-out lines.
  • All retailers should arrange all store aisles to be directionally one-way, if required to achieve appropriate social distancing.
  • All retailers should place hand sanitizer stations at high-contact locations.
  • All retailers must require employees to stay home if symptomatic.
  • All retailers must disinfect high-touch areas after each use (e.g. carts, baskets, and other equipment).
  • All retailers should provide reasonable accommodation to any person unable to wear a mask into the store by providing online or telephone ordering and curbside, non-contact pick up or a delivery option and/or allowing a person to wear a full face shield that extends below the chin. Each retailer must post a sign at each entrance detailing these accommodations.
  • Customers are strongly urged to utilize online or telephone ordering and curbside, non-contact pick-up or delivery options.
  • This order does not apply to those medically or developmentally unable to wear a face covering.
  • Each business should designate an on-site compliance officer for each business location and each shift during all business hours to enforce these requirements.