Health chief member of Ohio restaurant reopening committee

Lorain County Health Commissioner Dave Covell will become part of the state group considering how restaurants may reopen and take actions against the spread of novel coronavirus.

On May 1, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced his advisory groups to consult on reopening eateries and personal service businesses such as hair salons, barber shops and tanning facilities.

Covell will serve on the advisory group examining how to reopen Ohio restaurants, while balancing the need to protect the health of employees and customers.

The group consists of state and local public health experts, along with representatives from foodrelated businesses across Ohio.

“The cooperation between the industry and the local health departments on the task force has been incredible,” Covell said. “Our creative, collaborative ideas will help determine how to protect restaurant and bar staff as well as the public from COVID-19.”

There is not currently a hard and fast deadline for the task force, so there was not additional information about when the task force would be completed or have more information because its members want to do things right, Covell said.

The lists of the restaurant and personal services advisory groups are available online.

The advisory groups will include Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder, Senate President Larry Obhof, House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes and Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko.