Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's next round of Responsible Restart Ohio began today, with the state allowing for the reopening of general office workplaces, manufacturing, distribution, and construction.

Businesses can reopen as long as they meet state requirements, including such practices as wearing masks, social distancing of six feet or more, routine sanitizing of workstations, and daily symptom checking. On May 12, consumer and retail services can reopen.

The state now has 20,474 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to the the Ohio Department of Health, however, the number of cases requiring hospitalizations appears to be slowing and only two deaths for all 88 counties in the last day.

DeWine started the press conference offering a moment of silence for all those whose lives were changed by the May 4, 1970 shootings at Kent State University. 

DeWine spoke with the Restaurant Advisory Group today, noting they had made tremendous progress, and that an announcement should be expected within days.

He also reminded that retail stores will be reopening beginning May 12, but curbside service is available currently at main locations. 

Glancing at a 21-day trend, DeWine said showed hospitalizations are trending downward, and deaths are declining form coronavirus.

He said it three or four weeks, the state will compare numbers as the state begins the reopening of businesses and industries, but reminded Ohioans that all protocols still must be adhered to, including distancing, handwashing, masks, and sanitizing. 

DeWine said that it was not fair for citizens to protest and to go after the media, who follow the first amendment rights for all citizens. He asked that citizens go after him instead of journalists, who he said are simply doing their jobs. 

He also said that it is not fair to protest at the family home of Dr. Amy Acton, the Ohio Board of Health Director. He repeated that he is the elected official, and all complaints should to directed to him and him only, as he is ultimately the person making the final decision of Ohio's response to the virus.

The Governor said increased testing will help to protect people to note where the virus is spreading at increased rates, such as nursing facilities.

He noted that areas of increased testing include nursing homes, and other congregate living settings such as developmental centers, treatment facilities, homeless and domestic violence shelters, youth detention centers, and other areas where community outbreaks could occur.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will reopen in late May, with each office being evaluated individually, as each location has different capacity capabilities. He also said that to avoid the rush on the facilities, more information would be coming soon. He discussed the expansion of the Get In Line Online program for all deputy registrar locations that do not already have this service to help reduce crowds and allow an orderly process.

Husted said the state is quite capable of reopening the state and still battling the disease, but added the coronavirus will be with us for the foreseeable future.  He said Ohioans can only be successful on the two paths by being responsible and following guidelines.

Husted also said credit for Ohio being in better shape today than a lot of other states are - that's due to the quick action of Dr. Amy Acton and Gov. DeWine

Dr. Acton, Ohio Board of Health Director, noted that it takes three weeks of watching key indicators on the Board of Health dashboard to see the trends in evaluating the spread of the virus.

Acton said that local departments of health are key, as they are the departments who are seeing what is happening on the local levels throughout the state, and stressed chow important to be consistent with testing priorities across the state.

She also added that so far 1.3-percent of Ohioans have been tested for coronavirus so far, and also stated that we will be living with the virus for the foreseeable future as well.

When asked about the lack of people reportedly wearing masks throughout the state, the governor reiterated while some people may not be able to wear masks, wearing face-covering protects other people and family members. He appealed to all Ohioans to wear masks, saying it is the right thing to do.

When asked about employees and safety at work, Husted said the first starters workers following all protocols and if there are concerns in your office, to then talk with a member of your human resources office.

While the governor said it is premature to think about November, however, Husted said the state's board of elections is already preparing options of how everyone will be able to vote remotely if needed.

The governor said the state is taking a chance by opening the state to begin heading towards economic recovery for the state. He said ultimately, the recovery of Ohio depends on the people of Ohio, by people deciding to do the right thing or not.