• Avoid large crowds
• BWC begin distribution of 2 million non-medical-grade face coverings to Ohio employers

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced the lifting of orders on limited travel restrictions, advising that all safety protocols including social distancing, face cover, use of hand sanitizers and hand wash must strictly be adhered to.

“While our orders have included limited travel restrictions, these will now be lifted.  However, while unnecessary travel within or outside of the state of Ohio is still permitted, it is not encouraged,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

“We are now moving from orders to strong recommendations. This is a new phase in our battle against, coronavirus,  COVID19, and it is incumbent upon each of us to protect each other.”

“The coronavirus is not gone.  It is real.  And it is deadly.  This new phase that we are now in is about learning to live with this virus.  It is with us — it will remain with us — and we must do all we can to contain it and keep it from killing our fellow citizens.”

Governor DeWine said, “by taking personal responsibility, Ohioans are taking the most aggressive offense against COVID19.  Our economic recovery and success as a state are dependent upon our respect for one another and on each of us taking personal responsibility to keep each other safe.”

“What we do individually will be what saves Ohioans collectively.  Taking the protective actions that we are recommending today will not only help you, but they will help you protect your loved ones, your neighbors, and people you don’t know.”

According to him, “COVID19 is becoming one of the leading causes of death in Ohio.  Preliminary research indicates that as of May 19, 2020, more than 90,000 people in the United States, including 1,657 Ohioans, have died with COVID-19.  These numbers continue to increase daily.”

“The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, BWC will begin distributing at least two million non-medical-grade face coverings to Ohio employers who are covered by BWC.  These employers will get a package containing at least 50 face coverings.  These packages will be shipped in batches beginning Wednesday, May 20, 2020”.

Also, Lt Governor Jon Husted said, “by the end of May, about 95% of the Ohio economy will be open. But the true success of this phase depends on the individual and collective response. It will be up to each one of us to do the right thing by each other.”

“In the end, no order and no law will be as successful as a well-informed public who simply cares and respects each other”

He said that “next Tuesday, May 26, 2020, the Ohio Bureau for Motor Vehicles, BMV locations will reopen – but you do not have to rush there. The last thing we want is large crowds. In fact, most things you can do online at http://oplates.com. If your license expired, it is still valid because of the state of emergency.”

Reacting to Governor DeWine’s easing of travel restrictions, Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof (R-Medina) said, “In the fight against COVID-19, Ohioans came together and flattened the curve. Because we were proactive and worked together, we are better prepared as a state to re-open our economy and begin a much-needed economic recovery. By the end of May more than 95% of Ohio’s economy will be re-opened.

“Rescinding the stay-at-home order and lifting Ohio’s travel prohibitions mark a significant new step in this process. Ohio is leading the way for the rest of the Midwest today.”