Governor Mike DeWine has ordered a curfew from 10pm to 5am for 21 days commencing today. I participated in a conference call with the Director of Public Safety for the State of Ohio which included other Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police from across Ohio.
As of this writing, I have not seen a copy of the order as it is in process of finalization. Apparently, this is not a typical curfew. It appears to be a shut down for dine in restaurants and other retail businesses from 10pm to 5am. Gas stations and other businesses that are open 24 hours will not be impacted as long as they have no dine in services. People can still go to and from work, can still get gas and can still get food using the drive thru service or curb side pick up.
The overall theme of this order seems to be an attempt to encourage people not to congregate during those hours in an effort to reduce the current spread of this virus.
I know there are a lot of mixed feelings about the virus and I am not going to get into that discussion. I respect everyone’s opinion and I consider everyone’s concerns. I wanted to pass on the information given to me and let you know the Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office’s plan of actions.
Relative to enforcement, our Deputies WILL NOT be making random traffic stops of those in our community going about their everyday lives. As with past orders, establishments who violate the order will be reported to the Guernsey County Health Department who then would have the ability to take appropriate action.
As Sheriff, I have taken an Oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio. These Constitutions, among other things, protect the individual liberties of our citizens. I intend, as I always have, to uphold that oath.
Sheriff Jeffrey D. Paden
Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office
