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Open Ohio Responsibly Framework

April 27, 2020
Jon Cross News

OPEN OHIO RESPONSIBLY FRAMEWORK

A DATA DRIVEN, APPLIED SCIENCE APPROACH FOR OPENING OHIO FOR ALL OHIOANS

 GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

1. Based on current data, scientific application and actual results, we believe a responsible opening of all businesses can, and should, begin on or before May 1st, 2020.
2. We respect past concerns regarding not overwhelming our hospitals, health systems, front line healthcare workers and first responders as well as ensuring there is an adequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment for them. In Ohio, we believe we are now past that stage of concern.
3. We respect and greatly appreciate all the healthcare workers and first responders’ efforts during this challenging time as well as all the businesses/organizations that have continued to operate through the Shelter in Place Executive Order.
4. We believe the COVID-19 virus is a real threat and especially problematic for the more vulnerable, the elderly and immuno-compromised people. We should continue our measures to protect this population as well as those who are infected with COVID-19.
5. We believe an overwhelming number of Ohioans are responsible citizens and care for each other
6. We believe all businesses in Ohio are essential.
7. We respect individuals, business owners and employees’ rights to choose how to protect themselves and their loved ones.
8. Many businesses have already modified their operating protocols to safely function in this current environment. Businesses/organizations recognize if they do not make it safe for their employees and customers, they will not come back.
9. We respect the right for businesses to not open until they are prepared to do so safely.
10. Many people will choose to continue to shelter in place. We respect their choices and right to make those decisions.
11. We believe there are, and will continue to be, major secondary affects from COVID-19 policy decisions.
12. We believe it is time to trust Ohioans. They have respectfully followed the guidelines and NOW is the time to responsibly open all businesses.

RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES EFFECTIVE ON OR BEFORE MAY 1ST, 2020  

All businesses/organizations are strongly recommended to follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and are advised to follow appropriate social distancing and other COVID-19 related precautionary guidelines. Local authorities are advised to assist in managing clarity regarding uncertainty. See below for link to CDC guidelines.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html  

CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS:

1. The Governor will assign Strategic Guidelines for Implementation to local governing bodies including County Commissioners and County Health Boards.
2. Best practices emerging in the state can be monitored and shared via the Governor’s task force.
3. Intent is to provide Ohioans more personal control over their local epidemic prevention actions.  This will: a. Increase public involvement in community epidemic preventative actions. b. Generate personal initiative and ownership in generating effective prevention.  c. Create a sense of hope and proactive behavior in our communities. 

OTHER RECOMMENDED COVID-19 RELATED PRECAUTIONARY GUIDELINES:

1. If anyone falls within the “more susceptible” profile they are STRONGLY encouraged to stay at home.
2. Anyone with a fever can be refused entry and should be advised to seek medical advice immediately.
3. Social distancing should be practiced.
4. All businesses/organizations are encouraged to implement on-going sanitization and cleansing. Businesses/organizations are advised to work with local authorities if guidance is needed.
5. If you feel sick stay home. If your children are sick, keep them at home.
6. If you are an older person or have a serious underlying health condition, stay home and stay away from other people.
7. If someone in your household has tested positive keep the entire household at home.
8. Work or study from home whenever possible.
9. Always practice good hygiene – wash your hands, avoid touching your face, sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow.

Signature & Affirmation Section:

We do hereby agree to the above noted Guiding Principles, Recommended Guidelines, Concept of Operations and Other Recommended COVID-19 Related Precautionary Guidelines.  I affirm my support of these urgent measures hereto. We implore Governor DeWine to incorporate this framework into the Open Ohio Plan.

Paul Zeltwanger 

Ohio State Representative - District 54   
Signing as State Representative Only
Not as Chairman of the Ohio House 2020 Economic Recovery Task Force

(Members noted below have confirmed their support of this Open Ohio Responsibly Framework)

Nino Vitale
Ohio State Representative – District 85
Jon Cross     
Ohio State Representative – District 83
Tom Brinkman     
Ohio State Representative – District 27   
George Lang
Ohio State Representative – District 52
Adam Holmes
Ohio State Representative – District 97   
Darrell Kick
Ohio State Representative – District 70
Dick Stein       
Ohio State Representative – District 57   
Don Jones
Ohio State Representative – District 95
Candice Keller   
Ohio State Representative – District 53   
Riordan McClain
Ohio State Representative – District 87
Reggie Stoltzfus     
Ohio State Representative – District 50   
Brett Hillyer
Ohio State Representative – District 98
Derek Merrin   
Ohio State Representative – District 47       
Craig Riedel
Ohio State Representative – District 82
J. Todd Smith       
Ohio State Representative – District 43   
Scott Lipps
Ohio State Representative – District 62
Kris Jordan     
Ohio State Representative – District 67   
Phil Plummer 
Ohio State Representative – District 40 
John Becker       
Ohio State Representative – District 65   
Rick Perales 
Ohio State Representative – District 73 
Jena Powell       
Ohio State Representative – District 80
Scott Wiggam
Ohio State Representative – District 8
Diane Grendel
Ohio State Representative – District 76