Editor’s note: Information about local businesses is changing by the day and sometimes even by the hour. Check with your local business to find out the latest information on their availability.
By Julie D’Aloiso
On Sunday March 22, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced a Stay at Home Order.
It called for all individuals currently living within the State of Ohio to stay at their place of residence except as allowed in this order. The order did go on to say that if “people do go out, 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.”
It also called for non-essential business and operations to close. It included a lot of information about exceptions and what types of businesses are “essential”. After this order most of the local retail businesses closed.
For example Burlington Coat Factory, Hobby Lobby, Five Below, etc.
For the businesses that are permitted to stay open, there are guidelines to follow. Since then, many businesses are making changes to comply:
Plexiglass shields
Some local grocery stores and the post office are adding plexiglass shields to protect them from patrons who may be sneezing and/or coughing. Grocery stores are also asking you to not bring in your bags from home.
Tables used as buffers
Some local stores place tables in front of their counters so customers can not come up close to the shop keeper. In this example: PostNet. Also at this local PostNet, you can simply drop off your package without coming in the store.
Tape on the Floor
You may see tape on the floor reminding people to practice “social distancing” when standing in line.
Order online with delivery or pickup
Restaurants and other businesses are having customers order online or call in their order. If you order and have it delivered there is usually a non contact delivery procedure to follow. If you stop by to pick it up, you are asked in the case of BestBuy, to park in a specific spot and your purchase will be brought to your car. If your restaurant does allow you to come in and pick up your food, booths and tables in restaurants are now blocked off.
According to the order, people are allowed to go to parks and other spots such at the high school football field and tennis courts, as long as they practice social distancing.
Local parents have made some adjustments as well in educating and entertaining their children. See related story.
Hopefully this will pass soon and we can go back to our new normal.
