Ohio Department of Health Issues New Stay Safe Ohio Order

Last night, Ohio Director of the Ohio Department of Health, Amy Acton, signed a new Order that went into effect last night, April 30, 2020 and will continue until May 29, 2020.  The Order, which can be found HERE, states that all businesses and operations, except those specifically prohibited in the Order, may reopen within the state so long as all workplace safety standards are met.  Employers are still strongly encouraged to allow their employees to work from home if possible.

Generally, here are some essential components of the Order that dealerships need to be aware of:

• All retail establishments may reopen beginning on May 12, 2020 and are subject to both:
  • General COVID-19 Business Guidance, which can be found HERE and in Section 20 of the Order; and
  • Industry-Specific COVID-19 Guidance, which can be found HERE and Section 21 of the Order.
• Currently closed retail establishments that will restrict their operations to curbside pickup, delivery, or appointment-only may reopen at 11:59PM on May 01, 2020.
• All employers must require all employees to wear facial coverings except for one of the following reasons:
  • Facial coverings in the work setting are prohibited by law or regulation;
  • Facial coverings are in violation of documented industry standards;
  • Facial coverings are not advisable for health reasons;
  • Facial coverings are in violation of the business’s documented safety policies;
  • Facial coverings are not required when the employee works along in an assigned work area; or
  • There is a functional (practical) reason for an employee not to wear a facial covering in the workplace.
• Businesses must allow all customers, patrons, visitors, contractors, vendors, and similar individuals to use facial coverings, except for specifically documented legal, life, health or safety considerations and limited documented security considerations.
• Employees must perform daily symptom assessment that should include taking temperature with a thermometer and monitoring for fever while also watching for coughing or trouble breathing.

Dealership Management should review the Order, which can be found HERE, and additional guidance as it begins to implement these changes at the Dealership.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact OADA legal counsel, Sara Bruce or Matt Chacey.  Sara can be reached at (614) 923-2243 or sbruce@oada.com.  Matt can be reached at (614) 923-2232 or mchacey@oada.com.