DeWine reopens economy with safety in mind

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine deserves credit for his directives in the last week to reopen more of the state’s economy that he had to shut down because of the novel coronavirus pandemic in an effort to keep people safe.

DeWine has come under criticism for what some of his detractors have called over reach in some of his decisions.

But others, including health and medical experts, have supported the governor’s actions which they say saved lives and reduced the burden on hospitals because they were not overwhelmed with treating patients with COVID-19.

DeWine’s directives have canceled or postponed so many events this year, especially those family-oriented occasions such as graduation parties, large weddings, funerals and the list could go on.

However, many businesses that have, or will, reopen will provide opportunities to get out of the house and enjoy some recreation.

In order for the openings to take place, the establishments must utilize appropriate sanitation measures and social distancing procedures since the threat of COVID-19 remains.

Much of the state’s economy reopened in May after closing in March.

But there still were a few businesses and industries that needed the green light to resume operations.

For some, that announcement came June 4.

Zoos, theaters, playgrounds, country clubs, museums, laser tag facilities and roller and ice skating rinks, and other indoor and outdoor facilities learned they can reopen June 10.

DeWine, however, has not issued an order on mass gatherings like concerts, sporting events such as the running of marathons and 5K and 10K races, and of course, those mega amusement parks. And some are fighting back. On June 5, according to a news release from The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, it filed a lawsuit to enjoin the Ohio Department of Health from continuing to enforce its criminalization of Ohio’s amusement and water parks, as implemented through the director’s May 29, 2020 order.

The cases were filed in Erie County and Warren County Common Pleas courts on behalf of Ohio’s three largest amusement and water parks: Cedar Point, Kings Island and Kalahari Resorts.

According to the suit, the May 29 order singles out amusement and water parks even as nearly all other Ohio businesses are permitted to operate.

It says the order provides no opening dates for these seasonal businesses that employ thousands and generate the bulk of the economic activity in their respective counties, even though these businesses are safe to operate.

And the 1851 Center’s complaints assert that Health Director Dr. Amy Acton maintains no power to close otherwise lawful Ohio businesses or create her own sanctions to enforce those closures.

A few hours later, DeWine announced these industries can open June 19, along with casinos and racinos.

But the directives of six feet of social distance, wearing masks and maintaining good hand hygiene must remain to keep people safe.

There is some concern from the recent protests and marches across the world against racism and police violence against minorities in the wake of the death of George Floyd that people were exposed to the virus.

We can only hope the spread of COVID-19 doesn’t reach enormous proportions that could lead to disastrous outcomes.

But on June 2, DeWine made a surprising announcement when he said the state fully intends for schools to reopen this fall.

On March 30, all K-12 schools closed for three weeks, though it was later extended for the remainder of the year.

DeWine has made it clear that he didn’t order schools to reopen. The date for schools starting entirely was up to local education boards.

The state, however, would provide districts with broad health guidelines ahead of time, recognizing that our over 600 school districts are very different and have very different needs and very different situations.

DeWine also said health care providers can resume all procedures and surgeries postponed during the coronavirus pandemic, including ones that require overnight stays.

Acton, the state’s doctor for 11 million Ohioans, began her own remarks during the briefing discussing Ohio’s latest COVID-19 statistics and became emotional as she talked about the health disparities minorities face.

Acton was on point when she made a direct appeal to Ohioans to fight both disparities in health care and racism, and that it is unacceptable that your ZIP code on average can predict how long you will live.

As for Ohio trying to get back to normalcy, DeWine deserves credit with his leadership in these strange times.