The
Responsible Restart Ohio standards issued Monday by Gov, Mike DeWine may seem clear, but to others there are a lot of questions.
And, in a virtual meeting with local businesses and the media Tuesday, teh Ross County Health District pledged to be a resource to navigate those sometime murky waters.
Ben Avery, administrator for the health district, said while the health district will be the place where complaints regarding potential violations of the standards, he's hoping the public and businesses will work together to trend toward a fully open economy.
Avery, and fellow RCHD employees Kelly Dennis, Chris Carver, Emily Barnhart, and Logan Calhoun helped explain the re-open standards and took questions. One of the biggest questions centered around masks, as business owners pointed out a page on the state's guidance called them "recommended" while another page said, "no masks, no service, no exceptions."
Avery and Dennis said they would check out the discrepancy, while also saying the wearing of masks by everyone in public is the strong recommendation from both the governor's office and health professionals. (Later in the day,
DeWine said the state has reversed course and will not require masks for patrons or employees.)
Another question arose around the dwindling local supply of disinfectants and other cleaning and sanitizing supplies. Avery acknowledged the supply was limited, even non-existent at times, but said some
common household solutions can be created to sanitize surfaces. He said the health district would explore the matter and report back.
Avery said if the health district shows up at your business to address a complaint, it should be assumed they are showing up in an effort to understand and help achieve compliance, not just to shut down commerce. He also strongly encouraged having a written plan to reopen your business.
If you missed the session, a recording will be posted at the
Chamber's YouTube channel
. We're also considering a second session with the health district. If you'd like to see another session,
email me
.
