Are you an essential business?
Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted clarified on March 24 that businesses do not need a letter, certification, or clearance: “If you have a question—read the Order—come to your justification and have it prepared in case you’re asked.”
According to Homeland Security, the following industries are considered essential to the infrastructure of the country:
- Healthcare and public health
- Communications
- Emergency services
- Government facilities
- Critical manufacturing
- Commercial facilities
- Dams
- Defense industrial base
- Energy
- Financial
- Food and agriculture
- Nuclear reactors, materials, and waste
- Transportation systems
- Water
Additionally, Governor DeWine’s stay-at-home order says the following are essential businesses:
- Stores that sell groceries and medicine
- Food, beverage, and licensed marijuana production and agriculture
- Organizations that provide charitable and social services
- Religious entities
- Media
- First Amendment protected speech
- Gas stations and businesses needed for transportation
- Financial and insurance institutions
- Hardware and supply stores
- Critical trades (building and construction tradesmen, plumbers, electricians, etc.)
- Mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery and pick-up services
- Educational institutions
- Laundry services
- Restaurants for off-site consumption
- Supplies to allow people to work from home — sales and manufacturing
- Supplies for essential businesses and operations
- Home-based care and services for adults, seniors, children, and/or people with developmental disabilities
- Residential facilities and shelters
- Professional services
- Manufacture, distribution, and supply chain for critical products and industries
- Critical labor union functions
- Hotels and motels
- Funeral services
You can read the full Stay at Home Order here. For additional questions regarding the Order, visit the FAQ page.