Home News City of Whitehall Establishes City-Wide Curfew for Citizens

City of Whitehall Establishes City-Wide Curfew for Citizens

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WHITEHALL – Whitehall has imposed a city-wide curfew for citizens on top of Gov. Dewines orders.

According to a press release from City of Whitehall


Given the Stay at Home Order going into effect at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 23, the City of Whitehall has issued an updated set of community guidelines, summarized below. We cannot impress the importance of taking these preventative measures seriously enough. If we work together, we can help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
Stay at Home Order: In line with the state-wide Stay at Home Order, all residents are required to stay in their homes to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The order is in effect until at least April 6, 2020 and prohibits holding gatherings of any size and closes all nonessential businesses. This is a mandatory order, and not a guideline, meaning that violation is an arrestable offense. To help enforce the order and these guidelines, the Division of Police is increasing community patrolling.

City-Wide Curfew: In addition to the Stay at Home Order, Mayor Maggard has established a community-wide curfew which also stipulates that there shall be no unnecessary outdoor activities between the hours of 12 a.m. (midnight) and 6 a.m.

Essential Activities: During the Stay at Home Order, essential activities are still allowed, including visiting grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, clinics and healthcare operations, garbage and recycling collection, public transportation and access to public benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.).

Essential Businesses: Similarly, essential businesses will remain open during the Stay at Home order to provide services that are vital to the lives of Ohioans. Those businesses include, but are not limited to, pharmacies, certain government offices, and restaurants providing take-out meals. If you work for an essential business, you should continue to practice social distancing and should stay at home outside of work hours.

Non-essential Businesses: Non-essential businesses include: all gyms, fitness centers, recreation centers, bowling alleys, indoor water parks, movie theaters, and trampoline parks. Additionally, new to the Stay at Home order, while parks remain open, all playgrounds are now closed.

Restaurants and Food Delivery: All restaurants and bars have been ordered to close, except for carry-out and delivery functions. Please continue to patronize our local businesses by ordering carry-out and delivery and if you are able, please consider tipping your servers and delivery carriers.

Personal Health: In addition to these measures, take common sense measures to monitor and protect your health. All community members are directed to complete temperature checks, and to self-quarantine in the event of the onset of symptoms consistent with COVID-19 until cleared by medical professionals.

Playgrounds: While City parks remain open, all playgrounds have been closed. Please practice social distancing should you visit our parks.

Building Permits: The Building Department, while closed to the public is accepting permit applications for essential construction only. The Building Department will not issue permits that are inconsistent with the Stay at Home Order. This is at the discretion of the Public Service Director. Those needing to submit applications or plans may do so by using the drop-box inside City Hall or e-mailing [email protected]. Questions may also be directed to (614) 237-8612.

Police and Fire Personnel Interactions: Our police officers, firefighters and EMTs are working 24/7 to keep our community safe during this public health crisis. As the risk of contracting COVID-19 increases, residents will notice some changes to in-person interactions with police and fire personnel. This may include personnel maintaining six-feet from residents, and asking residents to step outside of their homes if possible. Please remember to practice social distancing if you encounter safety personnel and when possible, please file police reports online.

While many have means to stay healthy and safe during the Stay at Home Order, the City recognizes that there are those in our community who need help to make it through this crisis. Look to the COVID-19 Resource page on the City’s website for resources available to you and your family, including services for seniors and students, food bank locations and hours, a list of restaurants still open for carry-out and delivery, grocery store locations and hours and more. The hub also includes links to forms to request assistance.