The State of Ohio Stay at Home Order that took effect Monday at 11:59 pm provides guidelines for what “essential businesses” may remain open. The guidelines are based on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommendations that were established after 9/11.They do not speak to every segment of the industry, leaving some discretion about what exactly is included as “essential business”. At this time, the OHLA has not received any definitive guidance from the Governor’s Office, Ohio Department of Agriculture, or Ohio Department of Health.
The OHLA listed out some references for your review. In all cases where business operations are enabled, the ultimate decision and responsibility rests with the business owner, and should be made in the context of strict adherence to health and safety guidance to protect workers and customers. Should you choose to continue to operate, the OHLA suggest that you relax attendance policies to allow any employee who is uncomfortable working to stay home and use PTO or apply for unemployment.
Read the full overview of guidelines for Ohio operations here.
