Complete Story
05/08/2020
Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky Reopening Updates
Ohio State Press Conference Summary: 5/7
Thursday, May 7: Governor DeWine announced the next phase of the plan to reopen businesses across the state. This includes the opening of salons and barbershops on May 15th, restaurant outdoor seating on May 15th, and restaurant indoor dining on May 21st. An announcement on childcare centers is due to come next Monday, May 11th.
Governor DeWine announced that the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle deputy registrar’s offices may begin reopening as early as later this month. The state will look to expand the Get In Line, Online program which will allow people to check in online and arrive with a spot in line in order to reduce wait times.
Due to the economic impacts of COVID-19, the governor announced $775 million in reductions to Ohio’s General Revenue Fund for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2020, which ends on June 30th. The cuts were made in addition to the hiring and wage freezes that were announced on March 23rd. The governor indicated that the state will not tap into the Budget Stabilization Fund (aka “rainy day fund”) at the present time.
COVID-19 Update: Reopening of Restaurants, Bars, and Personal Care Services
Source: The Office of Governor Mike DeWine, May 7, 2020
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, today announced the next phase of the Responsible RestartOhio plan as it relates to restaurants, bars, and personal care services.
As part of today's announcement, Governor DeWine reminded Ohioans that COVID-19 is still incredibly dangerous and stressed the importance of continuing to exercise safe health habits as different sectors of the economy begin to reopen.
"Reopening Ohio is a risk, but it's also a risk if you don't move forward. We're on a dangerous road that has never been traveled before in Ohio and the danger is that we relax and stop taking precautions," said Governor DeWine. "All of us collectively control this. I ask you to take calculated risks and make good judgments. Continue social distancing, washing your hands, and wearing face coverings. If you aren't concerned with what happens to you, do it for others."
Michigan State Press Conference Summary: 5/5 - 5/7
Thursday, May 7: Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-77 to extend Michigan’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order to May 28th. The governor’s order will allow manufacturing workers, including those at Michigan’s Big 3 auto companies, to resume work on Monday, May 11th as part of her MI Safe Start Plan.
After announcing that Michigan’s manufacturing workers will return to work on Monday, May 11, Governor Gretchen Whitmer detailed the six phases of her MI Safe Start Plan to re-engage Michigan’s economy. The governor has worked with leaders in health care, business, labor, and education to develop the plan, and announced today that Michigan is in phase three.
View the phases of the pandemic
The governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect until May 28th, 2020. Under this order, Michiganders still must not leave their homes except to run critical errands, to engage in safe outdoor activities, or to go to specified jobs.
Wednesday, May 6: Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-76, extending and building upon her earlier executive orders expanding eligibility for unemployment benefits during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Executive Order expedites benefits for tens of thousands of Michiganders who have filed for unemployment benefits by allowing the state to review only an individual’s most recent job separation, which is the cause of the current unemployment, to determine the individual's benefit entitlement.
The Executive Order also extends previous Executive Order 2020-57.
Also, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-75, which extends a previous Executive Order that allows public bodies to conduct remote public meetings during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Order 75 expires on June 30th, 2020.
Under Executive Order 2020-75, public bodies subject to the Open Meetings Act, including boards, commissions, committees, subcommittees, authorities, councils and nonprofit boards, can use telephone- or video- conferencing methods to continue meeting and conducting business during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health crisis, as they follow certain procedures to ensure meaningful access and participation by members of the public body and the general public.
The order also temporarily authorizes public bodies, departments and agencies to use technology to enable remote participation in public comment and hearings, and temporarily excuses school boards from monthly meeting requirements.
Tuesday, May 5: Governor Whitmer released the following statement after Pfizer Inc. announced that the first participants have been dosed in the U.S. in a clinical trial for the BNT162 vaccine program to prevent COVID-19 infection. Pfizer also announced that the initial manufacturing for the COVID-19 vaccine will be completed in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
“This is great news for our families, our neighbors, and those serving on the front lines during this crisis,” said Governor Whitmer. “COVID-19 has shown how vulnerable our country is when it comes to supply chain and much of the lifesaving materials we need are manufactured out of the country. That’s why we are so proud that one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in the world is the Pfizer site right here in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In fact, Michigan has a strong history of vaccine development with the polio and anthrax vaccines. Pfizer is a great partner and the State of Michigan and our strong manufacturing roots stand ready to serve.”
Pfizer is also making investments to actively scale up their manufacturing and distribution capacities in hopes of bringing a promising vaccine candidate to the world.
Kentucky State Press Conference Summary: 5/5 - 5/7
Thursday, May 7: Governor Beshear announced the second phase of reopening the commonwealth’s economy, but urged patience and caution until the fight against COVID-19 is finished. All businesses should follow the 10 rules of staying healthy at work as well as industry-specific guidance, which will be issued as soon as possible. The new tentative dates for reopening are:
- May 22nd – Restaurants, with limited 33% capacity and outdoor seating
- June 1st – Movie theaters, fitness centers
- June 11th – Campgrounds, public and private
- June 15th – Child care, with reduced capacity; and potentially low-touch and outdoor youth sports
It will not be business as usual anywhere until COVID-19 has been defeated. The Governor added that Phase 3 is coming July 1st with bars, with limitations, and gatherings up to 50 people allowed.
Electric cooperatives across Kentucky are reporting a surge in scammers attempting to exploit Kentuckians amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Callers claim to work for a utility company or co-op and threaten to disconnect service without immediate payment. In March, the Kentucky Public Service Commission issued an order that halts disconnections for non-payment and fees for late payments. Governor Beshear urges Kentuckians not to arrange payment or divulge personal information on the phone unless they are absolutely sure they are speaking with their utility company. Kentuckians who suspect a scamming attempt should contact their utility and the Kentucky Attorney General’s office: online scam reporting form or Consumer Protection Hotline, (888) 432-9257.
Wednesday, May 6: The Governor issued a new executive order that continues to ban anyone with a positive or presumptively positive case of COVID-19 from entering Kentucky, except as ordered for medical treatment. It also keeps in place requirements of social distancing on public transportation. Those traveling from out of state into Kentucky and staying are being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.
