Ohio Considers Lifting Statewide Curfew

COLUMBUS, OH — If Ohio's COVID-19 hospitalization levels continue to decline, Gov. Mike DeWine will alter the state's curfew.

There is currently a statewide curfew in place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. DeWine implemented the curfew to try and deter climbing COVID-19 metrics. Those metrics may now be trending down, he said.

DeWine said if there are seven straight days with fewer than 3,500 COVID-19 patients in Ohio hospitals, the curfew will be moved to 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for two weeks. If there were fewer than 3,000 COVID-19 patients in hospitals, the curfew would be moved to midnight.

If there are seven straight days with fewer than 2,500 COVID-19 patients in Ohio hospitals, the curfew will be lifted entirely.

"When our COVID hospitalizations are above 2,500, three times the peak census in a current flu season, our hospitals are strained in ways that hamper their ability to deliver routine care," said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, chief medical officer, of the Ohio Department of Health.

For the past six days, there have been fewer than 3,500 COVID-19 patients in Ohio hospitals.

Vanderhoff cautioned that the COVID-19 virus is unpredictable and can surge again. If the virus were to return in force, officials may be forced to re-implement a curfew or consider other health protocols.

"We must keep practicing safety protocols. Our case numbers are improving because of what you are doing — and what you're not doing. More people are wearing masks. Please continue wearing masks," the governor said.