At his latest coronavirus briefing Governor Mike DeWine announced relaxed regulations for assisted living facilities regarding family visits. Starting June 8, outdoor visitation will be allowed at Ohio’s assisted-living facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities. The restriction on nursing homes will remain in effect for now with no timeline established for changing that.
“We know it is becoming more and more difficult for people. They’ve been away from their relatives, we know this has caused a great deal of heartache inside of these facilities ... this is a very difficult issue.” New guidelines include development of a policy that includes screening for temperatures and symptom-reporting for visitors; scheduled hours and time limits for visits; proper social-distancing measures, face coverings; and education about the risks of spreading COVID-19.
Meanwhile in Toledo Mayor Kapszukiewicz sounding a lot like a scene from "Footloose" told bar owners that while live music can return on June 1 “Dancing still isn’t allowed. I don’t know how else to say it.” How that restriction will be enforced remains to be determined. Following a meeting with the Toledo Metropolitan Tavern and Pub Association the mayor also announced that beginning immediately, bars and restaurants can set up chairs and tables in their parking lots or sidewalks. Social distancing rules must be enforced and no violation of the ADA regulations can take place.
Smaller neighborhood bars not part of an established DORA must apply for a liquor permit from the state to serve alcohol outside. And if they wish to close part of a street they must seek permission from the city on a case by case basis.
Toledo is planning to block off certain streets within the outdoor refreshment areas on Adams Street and in the Warehouse Districts on Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning June 6 to allow use of the streets.
Fred LeFebvre of 1370 WSPD spoke with the Zahra Collins, President of the TMTPA this morning about the struggles being face by small family owned neighborhood bars and the meeting held with city leaders.