Special Report: Businesses Pushing the Restart Button

On April 27, Governor Mike DeWine outlined opening procedures. May 4 central Ohio office workers will be allowed to return to work whether they are deemed essential or nonessential; however, they are encouraged to continue working at home, if possible. Manufacturing, distribution and construction business can open on May 4, too. May 12 marks opening for retail and service businesses, with no date speculated for restaurants, hospitality and entertainment-related businesses. The 10-person group gathering remains in place. Businesses reopening will require protective measures such as wearing face mask, social distancing and limited capacity. Many businesses are impatient to reopen, while others express reservations about continued safety. What is crystal clear for everyone is that the Coronavirus health crisis has forced Ohio’s economy to its knees and each day of closures adds to the financial crisis for the business, its laid off workforce and the government entities that depend on tax revenue. The Governor has likened it to walking on a tight wire – a true balancing act. Get it wrong and the pandemic roars back with a vengeance. Wait too long and the damage to businesses and the economy could be irreparable.

Alex Fischer, President and CEO, Columbus Partnership, Cameron Mitchell, CEO and Founder of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, talk about reopening the economy, long and short-term effects of the disruption, supply chains, labor, and what a consumer economy looks like with limits on occupancy. Colleen Marshall, Co-Anchor, WCMH NBC4, will host.

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