Retail and Services: Safety Guidelines for Reopening

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include Gov. Mike DeWine’s update to the guidelines, eliminating the state requirement for customers to wear masks.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – As part of the effort to reopen Ohio’s economy, Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health have released guidelines for the sectors that are allowed to resume normal business in the coming weeks. 

Beginning May 12, retail and service business can resume operations. Those that do so must ensure a minimum of six feet between people and, when possible, install barriers at checkouts. 

Employees must wear face coverings – anything that covers the nose and mouth, not necessarily medical-grade personal protective equipment – at all times and high-touch items such as carts and baskets must be cleaned after each use. Merchandise should be cleaned before stocking when possible.

On Tuesday, DeWine rescinded the order for customers to wear masks in stores, though businesses may install their own policies.

Each business must limit maximum capacity to 50% of what is allowed under the fire code.

Among the best practices recommended are grouping employees by shift to minimize exposure, offering curbside pickup and providing face coverings to customers upon entry.

A PDF of state guidelines and recommended practices is available here.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.