May 12 is the day retail can resume. Retail, however, can schedule appointments for customers right now. Curbside can be done now as well if that business lends itself to that type of activity.
We have a restaurant advisory group and barbershop/salon advisory group that has begun working. We're also putting together groups for libraries, travel/tourism, sports, outdoor recreation, gym, theater, childcare, adult daycare, etc.
The goal is to put people who work in these sectors together to determine the best way to reopen.
We must continue to be careful. To look out for those who are at a high-risk. We must continue social distancing. We're on two tracks: staying safe and opening up. If you can continue doing what you have been doing, we will make it, and things will continue to open up.
I know this is tough. @FranDeWine and I have 24 grandchildren. 8 children. We can't see them. This isn't easy for any of us, but it's not going to last forever.
I know some of you think we're not moving fast enough. Some think we're going to fast. We're trying to get it right.
Please remember we're #InThisTogetherOhio. What each one of us does impacts our families, our friends, and even complete strangers. Whether you like it or not, we're in this together. We are one state.
There are some things that will not happen as soon as others - things that we can't control with distancing, like bringing large groups together. If we start doing that it's not good. We must continue to stay focused. Stay disciplined.
There are costs. Medical costs. Economic costs. We know the economy will not come back quickly, but we must give businesses the chance to start moving.
I know this is hard. I get it. But we have to stick together. We have a path. Let's keep going. Let's keep each other safe. Let's get our businesses open. I appreciate what everyone has done. You've made sacrifices and continue to make them. #InThisTogetherOhio
