05/14/2020

COVID-19 Update: Dates Announced for Reopening Daycares, BMVs and More

May 14, 2020

This afternoon, Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton held the daily COVID-19 (coronavirus) briefing on the eve of when many businesses in Ohio are scheduled to reopen.

During the press conference, DeWine and Husted announced the timeline for the next phase of reopening Ohio through the end of May, including daycares, bureau of motor vehicles (BMVs), campgrounds, gyms and pools.

In Ohio, as of May 14, 2020, 26,357 cases have been reported, including 4,718 hospitalizations and 1,534 deaths. Fifty-one people died in the past 24 hours. The Department of Health adds the data as soon as they are informed of a case or death.

DeWine announced Thursday that Ohio daycares will be allowed to reopen May 31 with reduced numbers of children, with a maximum of 6 per classroom. Temperature taking will be routine, and intensified cleaning and handwashing practices will be in place.

“We are taking a cautious approach,” DeWine said. “The reopening of childcare… we’re really doing for the first time. There is no playbook for conducting it, really, during a pandemic such as we have today. So, we will be continuing to monitor (it) as we go forward.”

DeWine said they may make changes as we move forward.

Important dates:

• May 21: Campgrounds can reopen
• May 22: Horse racing can resume; spectators will be prohibited
• May 26: BMVs will open across the state; Ohioans are encouraged to use the online resources if possible
• May 26: Gyms, fitness centers and pools can reopen
• May 31: Daycare and day camp facilities will be allowed to reopen

Please note: Water parks and amusement parks do not have a reopening date at this time.

The state did not hold a press briefing yesterday. But, DeWine did announce the Ohio’s pandemic EBT plan was approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This means families of 850,000 students who rely on free or reduced-price meal programs will receive around $300 to purchase food. DeWine estimates the benefits amount to more than $250 million that will go to grocery stores and other eligible retailers.