• Appoints economic group of advisories to address economic crisis
• Says Ohio has learned a lot from companies considered essential and are still open

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has expressed optimism and confidence in the economy to open back up on Friday, May 1, 2020 as the coronavirus curve continues on the flattening slide.

“I am an optimist and am confident that Ohioans will also live up to the challenge of doing things differently as we open back up beginning on May 1^st,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

“We have a plan of putting together of the economy open back up. We are going to start implementing that plan on May 1^st. It is going to be gradual.”

“it’s going to be rolling out one thing after another as we can do it. We are excited about being able to do it. May 1 is the date; it is not the real open of the state in that sense. But we are going to do it in way that engenders confidence in the state of Ohio. And that when businesses are open that customers are safe, and the employees are safe as we can make them.”

“It is not just the orders that we put in, but it is how we open back up. We are trying to do this in a very thoughtful way that it engenders confidence in the people of the state of Ohio.”

Part of the expectations when businesses begin to open will be the wearing of face masks in the public.

“I strongly suggest that everybody wears masks,” said Governor DeWine.

He announced the appointment of “an economic group of advisories—businessmen and women from across all sectors of Ohio—who are working to address this economic crisis.”

According to him, “in re-opening any business, it will be essential to provide a safe environment for employees.  We cannot have another large spike of COVID19 cases.”

“As we open back up, we will continue to monitor where we are at in the curve, the amount of Personal Protective equipment, PPE we have available, and Ohio’s testing capacity.”

“Life will not resume to normal for a while.  We all have to continue taking precautions and protecting the most vulnerable Ohioans- seniors and those with pre-existing and chronic health conditions.”

He said, “we have learned a lot from our companies who are considered essential and are still open during the Stay at Home Order.  Many safety precautions have been put into place to protect employees.”

Also, Ohio Director of Health Dr Amy Acton said, “this has been a very trying time for all Ohioans, but I’m very optimist on how we will continue to travel this road together. We’re fighting every day for your lives, your health and your livelihood.”

In response, Ohio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Andrew E. Doehrel said, “We are highly encouraged that today, Governor DeWine answered the critical question on everyone’s mind: when will we get Ohio’s economy moving again? We know the COVID-19 crisis is not over, and that health and safety protocols are going to remain a fact of life for the foreseeable future.

“But businesses are ready to get back to work, and knowing that May 1 is the target date for this happening will allow them sufficient time to prepare to reopen safely and successfully. The Ohio Chamber applauds the leadership the governor has demonstrated in an effort to keep all Ohioans safe and healthy. Now, we stand ready to assist Gov. DeWine and Lt. Gov. Husted in answering the practical questions of just how we restart our economy the right way.”