COLUMBUS, Ohio (NewsNation Now) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday announced a three-week curfew for retail businesses in an effort to reduce the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the state.
DeWine said that Ohio’s curfew will begin Thursday, and run from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. for 21 days.
Starting Nov. 19, all retail establishments must close during that time period to abide by the curfew rules, NewsNation affiliate WCMH reported.
“We’re going to try it for 21 days, see how we’re doing, for 21 days, three weeks,” DeWine said. “At 10 p.m., retail establishments need to be closed and people should be home.”
DeWine said the curfew, as well as steps such as the retail mask mandate and gathering limits, will help cut down on the rising number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations.
“We believe this is going to help,” DeWine said. “It’s going to help reduce some of the contact taking place.”
The curfew will not apply to employees traveling to work, anyone in need of medical care and emergencies, DeWine said.
“The curfew is not intended to stop anyone from getting groceries, a carry-out/drive-thru meal, or delivery,” he explained. “A lot of this is common sense.”
On Monday, the Republican governor warned of new restrictions on businesses and gatherings in the coming week.
“We’re not talking about shutting down, we’re talking about slowing down,” DeWine wrote in a Twitter post. “This is a very crucial time. We’re asking people to reduce their social interactions for the next few weeks. We’re seeing tremendous spread because people are letting their guard down around friends/family.”