Photograph of Old Worthington Library during Ohio's Stay At Home Order of 2020

This photograph shows the south parking lot of the Old Worthington Library on March 20, 2020. The scene was unusually empty of vehicles and people: Worthington Libraries temporary closed all three of its library buildings to the public at 6pm on Friday, March 13, 2020, to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. When announced, the closure was projected to last “until at least Sunday, April 5” but it ultimately lasted until June 5, 2020, when the library began accepting returns of checked-out materials.

In addition to the closures of libraries, schools, gyms, restaurants and more, Worthington’s normally busy streets and public places were quiet during the spring of 2020 due to Ohio’s historic stay at home order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Issued by Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton M.D. MPH, the order went into effect on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 11:59 pm. The order closed nonessential businesses, restricted gatherings, ordered all residents to stay in their homes except for certain exempt activities, and limited travel. The order was fully lifted on May 19, replaced by strong recommendations for social distancing.