Ohio’s statewide overnight curfew to slow COVID-19 infections takes effect on Thursday

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The statewide curfew issued by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine this week goes into effect at 10 p.m. on Thursday.

The three-week general curfew will be imposed daily from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., meaning retail businesses cannot operate during those hours.

“The curfew does not apply to those who need to be at work, those who have an emergency, or those who need medical care,” described Gov. DeWine. “The curfew is not intended to stop anyone from getting groceries, a to-go meal, or delivery. A lot of this is common sense.”

Pharmacies, grocery stores, and takeout or delivery services from restaurants are still allowed to operate past 10 p.m.

What happens if you break curfew? https://bit.ly/35F8IN9
Posted by Cleveland 19 News on Tuesday, November 17, 2020

According to Gov. DeWine, the curfew, coupled with other health safety measures like mask-wearing, could cut contacts between Ohioans by up to 25%.

“We know that if we reduce the number of people we come in contact every day with, that we reduce the chances of getting the virus, and we reduce the chances of spreading the virus if you unknowingly have it,” Gov. DeWine said.

The governor said he issued the curfew in an attempt to slow down Ohio instead of implementing a shutdown.