Ohio Retail Stores Can Open Their Doors For First Time Since Mid-March

Customers and employees are encouraged to wear face coverings and practice social distancing.

(Columbus, Oh.) - Retail stores can open their doors in Ohio for the first time since mid-March.  

Under Governor Mike DeWine's phased plan to reopen the economy, retail and consumer shops may reopen as of May 12th. 

DeWine tweeted today, "although consumer and retail stores are reopening in #Ohio today, #COVID19 is still here. Your good choices flattened the curve, and it's up to all of us to continue to be careful."

Wearing face coverings is recommended for customers and employees. 

Social distancing, frequent hand washing and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces will also be implemented at retail and consumer shops. 

Not every retail and consumer store will reopen right away. The decision to reopen will be made store-by-store. Consumers are encouraged to call ahead before going to shop at a specific location. 

Ohio residents will get back more services on Friday when salons and outdoor dining is allowed. Inside dining is able to resume on May 21. 

Governor DeWine has called reopening a "high-risk operation" but added that he is optimistic about the outcome. 

"I am optimistic we can do this," said DeWine. "We are Ohioans. We're going to get through this. I look forward to many, many days in the future as we continue to open other sectors and as we continue to take care of each other."