Governor Mike DeWine announced on Thursday that a new order has been issued to extend Ohio's stay-at-home order until May 1.

As Ohio continues to battle the coronavirus (COVID-19), the state has been ordered to stay at home for a little longer.

On Thursday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton is issuing a new order to extend the state's stay-a-home order until May 1. Ohio’s original stay-at-home order first went into effect on March 23 and had previously been scheduled to expire on April 6. The new order will go in effect after then, and will include some notable changes including:

Any person entering Ohio from out of state is asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.

A restriction on the number of people allowed at essential establishments that remain open.

A board to evaluate and render guidance in situations where two local health departments have come to a different conclusion on what is or is not an essential business.

Weddings are permitted, although any receptions are required to follow social distancing guidelines.

Campgrounds closed with the exception of situations where a camper or recreational vehicle in a campground serves as somebody’s permanent residence and they are unable to secure safe alternative housing.

Ohio State Parks remain open, but the director can take action to enforce the orders that have been issued.

Ohio’s stay-at-home order still allows for essential businesses, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, to remain open. Citizens are permitted to leave their residencies for the following reasons:

health and safety

necessary supplies

outdoor activity

As of Thursday, Ohio has had 2,902 confirmed coronavirus cases, 802 of which have resulted in hospitalization, 260 Intensive Care Unit admissions and 81 deaths. Dating back to the discovery of the state's first positive coronavirus case on March 9, DeWine has taken several measures to encourage physical distancing leading up to the eventual stay-at-home order.