Ohio retail stores opening back up Tuesday: Here's what to expect
Retail shops in Ohio have been given the green light to open back up Tuesday, but customers should still expect to see major changes as they head back to the stores.
Store owners and shoppers have been preparing for that first interaction in months, making necessary changes in order to follow state and CDC guidelines.
"We've set out the guidelines of what those businesses have to do," said Gov. Mike DeWine.
Several malls, including Tri-County Mall, Kenwood Mall and EastGate Mall will be reopening, saying they will adhere to the new guidelines with restrictions like closing off food court seating, play areas and stroller rentals. Shopping centers like Rookwood Commons were making preparations Monday inside stores for reopening on Tuesday.
DeWine detailed mandatory and voluntary changes businesses and customers need to make as part of the Responsible Restart Ohio plan.
The governor said every business needs to follow a five-step guideline to ensure health and safety of workers and customers.
- Encouraging face coverings for employees and clients/customers at all times.
- Conduct daily health assessments by employers and employees (self-evaluation) to determine if "fit for duty."
- Maintain good hygiene at all times — hand-washing and social distancing.
- Clean and sanitize workplaces throughout workday and at close of business or between shifts.
- Limit capacity to meet social distancing guidelines by establishing maximum capacity at 50% of fire code and use appointment setting where possible to limit congestion.
Mandatory guidelines for employees include: ensure 6 feet distance if possible, install barriers, require employees stay home if symptomatic, regular hand-washing, place hand sanitizers in high-contact locations and clean hand touch items.
DeWine also is requiring businesses to specify at-risk hours, asking customers not to enter the location if symptomatic and staggering entrance of customers.
The governor also mandated that signage and barriers need to be installed at each location and if anyone displays symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19, to isolate and seek medical care immediately. The business then needs to shut down for deep sanitation.
Carrie Karibo, who runs a bridal shop in Reading that bears her name, said she has taken extra steps ahead of appointments.
"It's all about keeping it upbeat and fun as well as keeping everybody safe," Karibo said.
Alongside beautiful dresses are masks and gloves.
Karibo will be asking customers to wear masks just as employees do.
Many stores said they will continue to offer options like curbside pickup and delivery as they open back up.
You can read more about the retail reopening plan guidelines here.