COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will be issuing an order to close all bars and restaurants Sunday night at 9 p.m. to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
During a press conference, Gov. DeWine added that establishments can stay open for carry-out and delivery but what we can't have is people congregating and seating.
"I'm aware that this will impact many, many good workers. I can't tell you how sorry I am, but we will work to mitigate the suffering," DeWine said. "It is our goal for everyone to get through this."
As of 3:20 p.m. Sunday, Ohio had 37 confirmed cases of coronavirus. Three-hundred-sixty-one people were under investigation for possible exposure and 140 people have tested negative.
To help workers who are directly impacted by the COVID-19 health emergency, an executive order will be issued to make changes to Ohio's unemployment law and state agency policy.
It was announced they would be broadening policy to clarify that individuals that are quarantined by a health professional or by their employer are considered to be unemployed and will not be subject to requirements to actively seek work during the period of emergency.
Currently, Ohio has a one-week waiting period before someone can receive unemployment. The order will be waiving the waiting period so eligible workers can receive benefits for the first week.
Additionally, to avoid penalizing individual employers by increasing future taxes, the costs of the additional benefits will be mutualized.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will also waive employer penalties for late reporting and payments for the next quarter to assist employers impacted by lack of staff availability.
More information can be found online on the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ website.
Watch at 3:30 p.m. — DeWine, health officials expected to provide update: