Madison County and Fayette County’s Department of Healths announced Thursday that people will be criminally charged if they violate the stay-at-home orders.
”People seem to be out and about a lot this week – even congregating in groups,” both county Department of Healths said Thursday. “The stay-at-home order did more than close non-essential businesses. If you do not have a legitimate reason to be out, or you are gathered in a group, law enforcement WILL issue citations that carry penalties.”
Governor Mike DeWine extended Ohio’s stay-at-home order on Thursday to go until May 1. Only essential businesses are to remain open, who must now limit the number of people inside their buildings and publicly post the occupancy level. In addition, anyone inside a building that isn’t a private residence must stay six feet apart.
People are allowed to go to medical appointments, the grocery, and take walks.
“Grocery shopping is still considered essential. This has not changed. You will not get a citation for essential shopping activities,” the local agencies said.
Violating the orders is a second degree misdemeanor.
“We fully support our law enforcement partners doing this. This order is law. It is not optional. It saves lives.”