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 p lace. 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.
Open Ohio Responsibly Framework – A Data Driven, Applied Science Approach for Opening Ohio for ALL Ohioans
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.
Open Ohio Responsibly Framework – A Data Driven, Applied Science Approach for Opening Ohio for ALL Ohioans
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.
Open Ohio Responsibly Framework – A Data Driven, Applied Science Approach for Opening Ohio for ALL Ohioans
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)
Here is the list of Members that have signed on.
- State Representative Paul Zeltwanger—4/26/2020
- State Representative Tom Brinkman – 4/26/2020
- State Representative Nino Vitale – 4/26/2020
- State Representative Adam Holmes—4/26/2020
- State Representative Dick Stein—4/26/2020
- State Representative Candice Keller—4/26/2020
- State Representative Reggie Stoltzfus—4/26/2020
- State Representative Derek Merrin—4/26/2020
- State Representative J. Todd Smith—4/262020
- State Representative Kris Jordan—4/26/2020
- State Representative John Becker—4/26/2020
- State Representative Jena Powell—4/26/2020
- State Representative Jon Cross—4/26/2020
- State Representative George Lang—4/26/2020
- State Representative Darrel Kick—4/26/2020
- State Representative Don Jones—4/26/2020
- State Representative Riordan McClain—4/26/2020
- State Representative Brett Hillyer—4/26/2020
- State Representative Craig Riedel—4/26/2020
- State Representative Scott Lipps—4/26/2020
- State Representative Phil Plummer—4/26/2020
- State Representative Rick Parales—4/26/2020
- State Representative Scott Wiggam—4/26/2020
- State Representative Diane Grendell—4/27/2020
- State Representative Bill Reineke—4/27/2020
- State Representative Jason Stephens—4/27/2020
- State Representative Jim Hoops—4/27/2020
- State Representative Steve Hambley—4/27/2020