Our Top Priority – Our Guests: Coronavirus Update
Last Updated: May 19, 2021 – It’s our commitment to you, to keep you updated.
Coronavirus and Put-in-Bay
UPDATE: For the most current list of what is open, their hours, and special notices, please visit the source and learn about What is Open in 2021 in Put-in-Bay Ohio. The list will be updated as soon as we can and as needed.
There was a lot of uncertainty and confusion in 2020 as we adjusted to an altered way of life. No one could predict how long this pandemic will last or its overall effects on society. One thing that we CAN be certain of is that news is constantly changing and updates keep coming. We at putinbay.com are just as impacted by this unprecedented epidemic as you are!
e are taking all appropriate steps to keep safe and keep working to provide you up to date information. Our staff are socially distancing and often working from home for safety. We’ve been your leading source of Put-in-Bay information since 2004 and we will continue to serve you both via our website and via our Put-in-Bay Facebook social media.
This page is designed to be your one-stop resource for up to date information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and the implications for Put-in-Bay Ohio. We will continue to update this page as information becomes available to us and also our Put-in-Bay Re-Opening Plans page. Our hope is that together, we can overcome this with a diligent effort and deliberate action. This is new and strange for everyone but we can handle it and still enjoy life. After all, we are all affected by this one way or another and WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!
Fortunately for all of us, the State of Ohio has been on the forefront of being very proactive with this difficult situation. In fact, Ohio is now seen as leading the nation in our efforts to combat Covid-19! While the closure of schools, restaurants, bars and more is drastic, the evidence suggests this may be our best hope to lessen the impact. The decisions made by Governor Dewine have not been made in haste, but rather with science and the health and well-being of the public in mind.
Ohio has been a national leader in fighting this terrible global pandemic and we are proud that you are with us. We want Put-in-Bay Ohio to re-open just as much as you do. We miss the views of Perry’s Monument, the music at Mr. Ed’s Bar, the late-night pizza from Cameos, and even just driving around on a Put-in-Bay golf cart. Coronavirus can’t keep Put-in-Bay down forever, and visitors are returning and helping us help them with social distancing, masks, and hand cleaning!
Call us at 216-898-9951 with any questions you may have and we will help you as much as we can!
Put-in-Bay’s Ferry Mask Policy
Both major ferry services have implemented a mandatory mask policy as of July 6th, 2020 which are still in effect today. Each company has released a statement and you can click an image below to read more. Make sure to pack your mask before you come to Put-in-Bay!
Put-in-Bay’s Chamber’s Memorial Weekend Reminder
If you are coming up to Put-in-Bay to start your summer holiday season, there are some reminders that we would like you to follow from the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce:
Put-in-Bay’s Mayor’s Official Letter
Put-in-Bay mayor, Jessica Dress, has issued the following statement, followed up by a message on May 14th, 2020 from the Village of Put-in-Bay:
(click image to view full letter)
(click image to view full flyer)
Put-in-Bay Transportation and COVID-19
Miller Ferry
Please check out the latest announcement from Miller Boat Line regarding ferry transportation to Put-in-Bay and the Lake Erie Islands. The ferry is now running again on a full summer schedule!!!
(click image to view full schedule and rates)
Public Announcement from Miller Boat Line regarding public safety:
(click image to view full letter)
The Miller Ferry is currently operating under the above schedule. Put-in-Bay’s vehicle and passenger ferry is continuing to provide ferry service to and from South Bass Island. The main form of transportation to Put-in-Bay has released a statement regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. In accordance with the CDC guidelines, they have implemented greater measures to further improve sanitation.
These measures include the following: closely monitoring employees so sick individuals do not come to work, requiring employees to wash hands more frequently and an increase in sanitizing of high contact areas. High contact areas include hand rails, door knobs and any surfaces that are touched often by human hands. The safety and health of their passengers is of utmost concern, and they are being very proactive.
The Miller Ferry can be reached for questions at 1-800-500-2421 or updates on their website at https://www.millerferry.com.
Jet Express
The Jet Express does not currently have any information regarding the Coronavirus on their website, However, they are now running their full summer schedule as posted. The Jet Express docks in downtown Put-in-Bay and runs late night on the weekends.
(click image to view full schedule)
Should you have any questions for the Jet Express, contact them directly at 800-245-1538 or visit their website at https://jet-express.com
Island Air Taxi
Island Air Taxi is owned and operated by a local family that actually lives on South Bass Island (aka Put-in-Bay). Take a trip aboard their Piper Cherokee Six for a quick trip to and from Put-In-Bay when the ferries aren’t running. Or even when they are and when you just want an enjoyable private ride to the island! Passengers are encouraged to make reservations in advance, as they are in high demand.
No new coronavirus updates have been announced on their website as of yet, but we will update here if we see any changes! Service is running as per normal right now. No new updates on their Facebook page either, other than letting islanders know that there are extra Girl Scout Cookies for sale!
Contact Island Air Taxi at 419-573-2960 or visit their new Island Air Taxi website online.
Griffing Flying Service
The charter airline service Griffing Airlines provides flight transportation to an from all Lake Erie Islands. During the winter when the boats aren’t running and the Lake Freezes, the only way to get to Put-in-Bay and other surrounding islands is by plane. The Port Clinton based company has yet to release a statement on the COVID-19 outbreak. However, we will be attentive and continue to update our readers as we continue to take certain measures with the corona virus.
This unprecedented pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty for all small business. As previously mentioned, stay tuned for any updates that will impact our island family going forward. For any questions regarding Griffing Airlines, we ask you to contact them directly by visiting https://www.flygriffing.com or calling them at 419-734-5400.
Coronavirus and Put-in-Bay Lodging
Our Primary Lodging Partners
Island Club 216-898-9951
Put-in-Bay Condos 216-898-1105
Victory Station Hotel 419-285-0120
Commodore Resort 419-285-3101
Bird’s Nest Resort 419-285-6119
The hospitality providers listed above are part of our core group of Put-in-Bay Lodging operators. This curated grouping prides itself on being the leaders in Put-in-Bay Hotels, Vacation Homes and Waterfront Condo Rentals. Together, we are in total agreement that we need to be gracious and reasonable during these trying times. The safety and health of our guests is of paramount concern.
Therefore, we at the Island Club have amended our policies to be much more flexible on cancellations during this trying time. We understand that this is difficult and some of our guests’ travel plans will be affected. Our management, staff, and homeowners feel that during this time of strife, we should not be the cause of additional financial hardships for those that wish to cancel.
So, guests can refer to their reservations and contact the Island Lodging providers for any questions or concerns. We want to work with our guests and continue to be good stewards in our community. Our hope is that our guests will recognize our actions, and remember us when all of the dust settles from this unprecedented outbreak. If you stay with a different lodging host, please contact them directly for their policies.
Island Club & Put-in-Bay Condos Policy
As of April 1st, 2020, Island Club Home Rentals is further easing their normal cancellation policies amid this pandemic to assist their #1 priority – Their Guests. If you have a reservation that begins between now and June 15th 2020, you have the option of:
(1) Moving your deposit and rebooking to a different date before the end of the season on October 25th, 2020, or (2) Accepting a 50% refund, minus any credit card processing fees. (They are currently not charging any final payment until they know that the “Stay at Home” order will be lifted. They will keep you updated on any developments.)
If your reservation begins after June 15th, 2020, their standard cancellation policies are still in effect, as they expect guests to be aware of the pandemic crisis by that point.
For any of the above options, if you wish to cancel, they just need to have a written request on file to back up the cancellation or change request. That written request must come from the email on file of the reservation, ie from the person who made the actual reservation.
PLEASE NOTE: If you made your original booking through a third-party source such as Airbnb, Expedia, Booking.com, etc then you must contact them directly to make your cancellation. Island Club cannot do anything until they hear from the original booking company. Please read below for some of their publicly available coronavirus policies. The full Island Club Rentals coronavirus policy statement can be seen on their website.
Airbnb Policy
Following the World Health Organization’s declaration on March 11th of the Coronavirus outbreak, Airbnb has amended their “Extenuating Circumstances Policy.” The new policy according to Airbnb.com states: “Reservations for stays and Airbnb Experiences made after March 14, 2020 will not be covered under our extenuating circumstances policy, except where the guest or host is currently sick with COVID-19. COVID-19 related circumstances not covered include: transportation disruptions and cancellations; travel advisories and restrictions; health advisories and quarantines; changes to applicable law; and other government mandates—like evacuation orders, border closures, prohibitions on short-term rentals, and shelter-in-place requirements. The host’s cancellation policy will apply as usual.”
The full Airbnb policy statement can be seen on their website (https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2701/extenuating-circumstances-policy-and-the-coronavirus-covid19).
Booking.com Policy
Booking.com has the most confusing of all coronavirus policies but this is what we have gleaned. For active reservations made before 6 April 2020, regardless of future check-in date:
Their emailed policy states: “By now, we can expect that our customers are aware of the risk of further COVID-19 spread, and as such the risk they are taking when making new reservations, particularly Non-Refundable and Partially Refundable bookings. Therefore for all new reservations made as of 6 April 2020, we will no longer apply Force Majeure conditions for guests seeking to cancel or modify their booking due to the current COVID-19 outbreak. These reservations will be treated like any standard booking, according to our policies and procedures.”
The full Booking.com policy statement can be seen on their website.
VRBO Policy
The President of VRBO sent out a letter outlining how the company is going to address the Coronavirus situation. The tenets of the letter suggest that if guests wish to cancel, they should do so in their traveler account. However, if they are beyond the limitations of the cancellation policy, the guests have been informed to reach out to owners. Each individual homeowner can adopt their own Policies for their rental. Therefore, cancellations and refunds are at their discretion. Guests that are seeking out new reservations have been encouraged to seek out more flexible cancellation policies.
For more information about Coronavirus and VRBO Policies, there is a Coronavirus Information Page on the VRBO website.
Expedia Policy
For reservations booked after March 20, standard cancellation policies apply. According to the Expedia website, travelers are encouraged to login to the Customer Support portal. From here, guests can generally make changes or cancel their reservations. However, if this option is not available, guests are encouraged to call the Help Center. The page did note though that call times have been quite large, and for individuals to be prepared for a wait.
Those wishing to re-book are encouraged to read over the cancellation policies for Airlines, Hotels, etc. There is additional COVID-19 related information on Expedia’s Coronavirus Travel Page (https://www.expedia.com/lp/b/coronavirus-travel).
Trivago Policy
As a global company of over 90 nationalities, the Trivago team has family members and friends in some of the most heavily affected areas. For them, the well-being and safety of their global community is the first priority. For customer service, they are temporarily prioritizing travelers with the most immediate needs and therefore focusing first on trips happening in the next 7 days.
The quickest and best way to find out if your travel plans can be changed without a penalty will be to check the booking site directly. Any credit, refund or change will be at the discretion of the booking site. If you are unsure which site you booked with on Trivago, you can find the travel provider’s name and contact information on your confirmation email
For more information on how to contact your booking site, read the full Trivago FAQ (https://support.trivago.com/hc/en-us/articles/360016000774) on their website as well as their Coronavirus travel advice at https://support.trivago.com/hc/en-us/articles/360006780478-Coronavirus-COVID-19-travel-advice.
Safe Boating Tips & Social Distancing
Boating safety is always a critical consideration whenever you push off the dock. But with all the recent issues regarding COVID-19, many people are wondering if boating is considered a safe social distancing practice. As boaters everywhere do their best to navigate these uncharted waters, we’ll do our best to serve as a reliable resource in answering many of your questions about boating during the coronavirus. From navigating local boating restrictions and boat ramp closures in your area to following best practices for social distancing on the water, we have it all.
(click image to view full chart)
Consumer Behavior & Changes Due to COVID-19
New research reports and survey results from Ipsos, Binary Fountain, Nielsen, Forrester, and others are giving us at least a cursory understanding of how consumer behavior is changing in light of COVID-19. We’re seeing a massive spike in media consumption as consumers seek not only to be informed and entertained but to adapt to entirely new homeschooling and remote work routines.
The following infographic offers an initial high-level view of how COVID-19 is impacting consumer behavior, from shopping trends to current mindset and beyond. You’ll also find expert tips to help put these insights to work for your brand, to help you quickly adapt and prepare for a post-pandemic business environment that may be forever changed.
(click image to view full infographic)
CDC Recommendations and Information
The following are excerpts from the CDC website that provide important information about the Coronavirus. This information is very useful and should be followed to help thwart the spread of COV-19.
How it Spreads
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).- The first doses of the Coronavirus vaccine began rolling out the week of December 14, 2020.
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
How to Protect Yourself
- Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Protect Others
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. Not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing)? Then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks are in short supply and should be saved for caregivers and first responders. JULY 27 UPDATE: The Governor of Ohio has mandated mask wearing in all indoor public places until further notice.
Coronavirus and Put-in-Bay Restaurants/Bars/Dining 2021
As you may be aware, from recent government updates, the State of Ohio has relaxed emergency policies that had temporarily closed ALL bars and restaurants in the entire state, including Put-in-Bay. All Put-in-Bay restaurants and bars are now open under proper safety guidelines set by the CDC and Ohio Department of Health, and no longer have the 10pm curfew. The following is a list of all Put-in-Bay restaurants and bars and their phone number if you wish to inquire about food availability during your trip to Put-in-Bay Ohio.
Coronavirus and Put-in-Bay Restaurants/Bars/Dining 2021
(click menu to enlarge)
As you may be aware, from recent government updates, the State of Ohio has relaxed emergency policies that had temporarily closed ALL bars and restaurants in the entire state, including Put-in-Bay. All Put-in-Bay restaurants and bars are now open under proper safety guidelines set by the CDC and Ohio Department of Health, and no longer have the 10pm curfew. The following is a list of all Put-in-Bay restaurants and bars and their phone number if you wish to inquire about food availability during your trip to Put-in-Bay Ohio.
Big Mans Burrito Stand – 419-285-3278
Boardwalk Restaurant – 419-285-3695
Boathouse Restaurant – 419-285-5665
Cameo Pizza – 418-285-4444 (4-10 Fri, 11-2 / 4-10 Sat, 4-9 Sun, 4-9 Mon, DELIVERY AVAILABLE!)
Chicken Patio – 419-285-3581
Dairy Isle – 419-285-3506
Dandees Snack Shack – 419-285-2405
Dj’s Ice Cream – 419-285-7447
Fishbowl – 419-285-3833
Fish Shak – 419-285-3695
Frosty Pizza – 419-285-3278
The Goat Soup & Whiskey – 419-285-4628
The Green Room – 419-285-3101
Heineman’s Winery – 419-285-2811
Hooligans Pub – 419-285-8000
Joes Bar & Restaurant – 419-285-5637
The Keys – 419-285-5397
Little Galley – 419-285-3695
Lolas Key – 419-285-5397
Mama Marias – 419-285-7400
Margarita On The Rocks – 419-285-3040
Middle Bass General Store Pizza – mbigeneralstore@gmail.com (SATURDAY DELIVERY!)
Mist Pool Bar – 419-285-3101
Mojito Bay – 419-285-5282
Mossbacks – 419-285-8888
Mr. Ed’s Bar And Grille – 419-285-3101
The Forge Creperie – 419-285-0022 (OPEN FOR CARRYOUT!)
Pasquale’s – 419-285-8600
Put-In-Bay Brewing Company – 419-285-4677
Put-In-Bay Winery – 419-285-3278
Red Moon Saloon – 419-285-3581
Ritas Cantina – 419-285-3695
The Roundhouse Bar – 419-285-2323
Subway – 419-285-5555 (OPEN FOR CARRYOUT!)
Reel Bar – 419-285-1318 (OPEN FOR CARRYOUT!)
Topsy Turvey – 419-285-4511 (OPEN FOR CARRYOUT!)
Upper Deck Restaurant – 419-285-3695
Village Bakery – 419-285-5351
What We’re Doing at putinbay.com
Over the winter and spring, the putinbay.com staff has been working hard to provide quality content for all that our island offers. Just like everyone else, our team behind the scenes at putinbay.com is faced with a difficult situation surrounding the novel COVID-19 outbreak. As a company, we have decided to work from home and are fortunate enough to have the ability to do so.
Back on March 15th 2020, the governor of Ohio had closed all bars and restaurants and there were rumors of more restrictions to follow. They have since been opened for outdoor dining on May 15, and indoor dining on May 21 and remain open today. Local businesses are following all rules set in place from the government. Schools closed early throughout Ohio (and this was extended through the whole 2019/2020 school season. More info to follow regarding the resumption of schooling in the fall). Re-opening information can be found on our updated “Put-in-Bay Re-Opening Plans” page
Here at putinbay.com, we wish all of our website visitors to stay healthy, take precautionary measures and abide by rules set in place by authorities.
Stay Safe. Remain Diligent.
Our current state is unlike anything we have seen before. Never have we been faced with such an incredible disruption to our daily lives. Still, our best hope is to take every precaution to prevent the spread. With a concerted effort by the American public, we can reduce the fatalities. Please, we urge you to take care of yourself and your family. When we get to the other side of this situation, we will all be ready for a vacation! And your friends at Put-in-Bay will be ready to greet you and show you a great time!
The virus is spread by person-to-person and has a long incubation period of 2-14 days with symptoms ranging anywhere from mild to severe. Prevention measures consists of washing their hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with others. In order to prevent the spread of the virus those still working need to stay at home if they feel sick. Make sure you are covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbows and wear a facemask if you are sick. If you are still working in an office space, make sure you wipe down your work area every day to disinfect.
We wish health for all and hope that this pandemic will soon pass. Until then, feel free to use your free time to scroll through our awesome island content and more. Thank you for reading and stay safe! We will updating this page as policies change and we receive more news surrounding how the virus is affecting Put-in-Bay.
COVID-19 Timeline in the State of Ohio
Here is a timeline of orders issued by the State of Ohio administration in response to coronavirus:
• March 5, 2020: Gov. DeWine and Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announce Arnold Sports Festival closed to spectators and limited to athletes and parents of athletes.
• March 9: Gov. DeWine declares a State of Emergency after three people test positive for coronavirus in Ohio.
• March 10: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose orders more than 100 presidential primary polling locations at senior centers to be moved. Gov. DeWine and Acton ask colleges and universities to move toward online learning and for indoor sporting events to ban spectators. They also stop visits at prisons.
• March 11: Ohio’s fourth case of coronavirus is confirmed. Gov. DeWine limits nursing home visits to one person per patient per day. The governor also discusses plans for restrictions at public events.
• March 12: The fifth case of coronavirus is confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine and Dr. Acton order K-12 schools to shut down from March 17 to April 6, prohibit mass gatherings of more than 100 people and ban visitors at nursing homes and state psychiatric hospitals.
• March 13: Ohio has 13 confirmed cases of coronavirus. Gov. DeWine bans visitors at county jails and corrections centers.
• March 15: There are 37 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ohio. Gov. DeWine and Dr. Acton order all bars and restaurants to close dining rooms as of 9 PM that evening, but carry-out and delivery services can continue.
• March 16: Now 50 cases of coronavirus are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine asks for Ohio’s election to be extended to June 2. Gov. DeWine and Dr. Acton order bowling alleys, movie theaters, indoor water parks, indoor trampoline parks, fitness centers, gyms and recreation centers to close. Acton issues a public order in the evening closing Ohio’s polling locations for the Presidential Primary Elections.
• March 19: Now 119 cases of coronavirus are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine asks (but does not order) Ohio’s residents to stay home if possible. The Ohio National Guard is mobilized for assistance with food delivery and distribution.
• March 23: Now 442 cases of coronavirus are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine officially orders all Ohio residents to stay at home effective at midnight tonight. With exceptions as outlined, all individuals currently living within the State of Ohio are ordered to stay at home or at their place of residence except as allowed in the Order. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces when outside their residence, they must at all times and as much as reasonably possible, maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person, with the exception of family or household members, consistent with the Social Distancing Requirements set forth in the Order. All persons may leave their homes or place of residence only for Essential Activities, Essential Governmental Functions, or to participate in Essential Businesses and Operations.
• March 25: Now 704 cases of coronavirus are confirmed in Ohio. The Ohio Senate unanimously passed a bill today that provides essential emergency relief and also extends Ohio’s tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020.
• March 31: Now 2,199 cases of coronavirus and 55 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine and Dr. Acton announce school closures would continue through at least May 1, 2020.
• April 1: Now 2,547 cases of coronavirus and 65 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• April 2: Now 2,902 cases of coronavirus and 81 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine and Dr. Acton officially extend their order for Ohio residents to “stay at home” effective until May 1st.
• April 6: Now 4,450 cases of coronavirus and 142 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine’s updated “stay at home” order for Ohio residents goes into effect tonight at 11:59 PM and lasts through May 1st.
• April 9: Now 5,512 cases of coronavirus and 213 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• April 12: Now 6,604 cases of coronavirus and 253 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• April 14: Now 7,280 cases of coronavirus and 324 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine states that he is unsure when Ohio sporting events will recommence due to the mass gatherings aspect of these events.
• April 15: Now 7,791 cases of coronavirus and 361 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced that the Ohio ODJFS outdated computer system is being rebuilt and should be ready by late next week. This will increase their ability to process more unemployment claims as well as start to release the federal $600/wk enhanced unemployment benefit authorized under the federal CARES Act.
• April 17: Now 9,107 cases of coronavirus and 418 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine states that some businesses may be allowed to reopen on May 1, stay tuned for more info.
• April 20: Now 12,919 cases of coronavirus and 509 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine announced that all Ohio public schools will remain closed through the 2019-20 school year and the administration will evaluate and make a decision for the start of the fall school term.
• April 22: Now 14,117 cases of coronavirus and 610 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine announced an end to the state’s elective surgery ban.
• April 24: Now 15,169 cases of coronavirus and 690 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine announced that the State of Ohio will cover the cost of foster children turning 18 over the next three months to continue to be taken care.
• April 26: Now 15,963 cases of coronavirus and 728 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• April 28: Now 16,769 cases of coronavirus and 799 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine relaxed his order on mandatory face coverings for business customers and clients, saying that mask-wearing will be recommended but not required.
• April 29: Now 17,303 cases of coronavirus and 937 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine announced that the state shipped 4.1 million pieces of personal protective equipment to local emergency management agencies.
• May 1: Now 18,743 cases of coronavirus and 1,002 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine issued a new “Stay Safe Ohio” order emphasizing that it is not a stay-at-home order (which expired today). This new order expires May 29, but that can change.
• May 3: Now 20,473 cases of coronavirus and 1,050 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine stated, “in the next several days, the protocol will be announced and a reopening day set for dine-in service at restaurants”.
• May 5: Now 20,969 cases of coronavirus and 1,136 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine announced that the State of Ohio will be making budget cuts due to COVID-19. Over the next two months, cuts include $210 million to Medicaid, $300 million in K-12 foundation payment reductions, $55 million in other education budget line items, $110 million in higher education and $100 million to other agencies.
• May 6: Now 21,576 cases of coronavirus and 1,225 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine did not have a presser today, but plans to have big announcements on restaurant re-openings either Thursday or Friday. The Ohio House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday restricting the authority of Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton.
• May 7: Now 22,131 cases of coronavirus and 1,271 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine announced opening dates for different businesses. Consumer, retail and services can open for business again on May 12. Hair salons, barbershops, nail salons and day spas can reopen on May 15. Restaurants and bars can reopen to outdoor dining on May 15 and indoor dining May 21.
• May 10: Now 23,697 cases of coronavirus and 1,331 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• May 11: Now 24,777 cases of coronavirus and 1,357 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine said that he is still gathering the necessary information for reopening Ohio’s child care centers.
• May 13: Now 27,243 cases of coronavirus and 1,602 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• May 15: Now 27,832 cases of coronavirus and 1,615 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• May 17: Now 27,923 cases of coronavirus and 1,618 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• May 20: Now 28,952 cases of coronavirus and 1,720 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• May 27: Now 33,006 cases of coronavirus and 2,002 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• June 8: Now 38,837 cases of coronavirus and 2,404 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• June 15: Now 44,304 cases of coronavirus and 2,713 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• June 22: Now 48,871 cases of coronavirus and 2,809 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• June 30: Now 51,789 cases of coronavirus and 2,863 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• July 6: Now 57,956 cases of coronavirus and 2,927 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• July 13: Now 67,995 cases of coronavirus and 3,069 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• July 27: Now 89,626 cases of coronavirus and 3,344 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine issues his order on mandatory face coverings for all individuals in the State of Ohio, saying that mask-wearing is REQUIRED when out in public.
• July 27: Now 85,177 cases of coronavirus and 3,442 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine issues an order closing all liquor sales at 10PM but allowing patrons to finish those drinks remaining by 11PM.
• August 5: Now 96,305 cases of coronavirus and 3,596 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• August 14: Now 105,426 cases of coronavirus and 3,755 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine announces that he will issue new orders for high school sports on Aug 18, including limiting the number of spectators.
• September 9: Now 131,922 cases of coronavirus and 4,298 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• September 24: Lance D. Himes, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Health (OOH), issued the Director’s Third Amended Order that Reopens Restaurants & Bars to Dine-in Service. This Order shall be effective at 12:01 a.m. on September 24, 2020 and remains in full force and effect until the Director of the Ohio Department of Health rescinds or modifies this Order.
• September 30: Now 152,907 cases of coronavirus and 4,783 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• October 15: Now 173,665 cases of coronavirus and 5,033 deaths are confirmed in Ohio.
• November 15: Now 302,084 cases of coronavirus and 5,722 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud has ordered Ohioans to stay home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the 21-day (three-week) period from Nov. 19, 2020, through Dec. 10, 2020
• December 10: Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud has ordered Ohioans to stay home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the 21-day (three-week) period from Dec. 10, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2020.
• December 14: Now 570,602 cases of coronavirus and 7,551 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. Gov DeWine announced today that the first COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in Ohio. Shipments of 975 doses were delivered this morning to both The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus and UC Health in Cincinnati. Several healthcare workers and personnel who are routinely involved with the care of COVID-19 patients immediately received vaccinations.
• December 28, 2020: Now 675,044 cases of coronavirus and 8,571 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. As part of the federal program to vaccinate nursing home residents and staff, facilities in Ohio are now among the first in the nation to receive vaccines through Walgreen’s, CVS, PharmScript, and Absolute Pharmacy. Ohio was invited by the CDC to participate in the scaling up of the federal program.
• May 19, 2021: Now 1,092,616 cases of coronavirus and 19,628 deaths are confirmed in Ohio. As Governor DeWine just announced, the vast majority of health orders will be rescinded on June 2, 2021, at 12:01 AM EDT!
• November 1, 2021: Now 1,525, 155 cases of coronavirus and 24,527, deaths are confirmed in Ohio. As Governor DeWine just announced, the vast majority of health orders will be rescinded on June 2, 2021, at 12:01 AM EDT!
Important Ohio Re-Opening Dates
• May 21, 2020 – CAMPGROUNDS: On Thursday, May 21, campgrounds in Ohio were permitted to reopen if these facilities met required safety protocols.
• May 22, 2020 – HORSE RACING (NO SPECTATORS): Beginning Friday, May 22, horse racing in Ohio is again permitted if these operations met required safety protocols. Spectators are not permitted.
• May 26, 2020 – OHIO BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES (CERTAIN SERVICES): Beginning Tuesday, May 26, Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) locations in Ohio were permitted to reopen for certain services if these facilities met required safety protocols.
• May 26, 2020 – GYMS, FITNESS CENTERS: Beginning Tuesday, May 26, gyms and fitness centers in Ohio were permitted to reopen if these facilities met required safety protocols.
• May 26, 2020 – SPORTS LEAGUES (NON-CONTACT, LIMITED CONTACT): Beginning Tuesday, May 26, sports leagues in Ohio were permitted to operate if these leagues met required safety protocols. This applies only to non-contact and limited-contact sports.
• May 26, 2020 – PUBLIC/CLUB POOLS: Beginning Tuesday, May 26, public pools and club pools that are regulated by local health departments in Ohio were permitted to reopen if these facilities met required safety protocols.
• May 31, 2020 – CHILD CARE: Beginning Sunday, May 31, childcare providers in Ohio were permitted to reopen if these providers met required safety protocols.
COVID-19 Medical and Information Resources
WHO (World Health Organization)
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd
CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Ohio Department of Health
https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/
Ottawa County Health Department
http://www.ottawahealth.org/index.asp?id=344
Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21214-coronavirus
John Hopkins
https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/03/09/coronavirus-incubation-period/
Mayo Clinic
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-develops-test-to-detect-covid-19/