Photograph of Worthington Community Center During Ohio’s Stay at Home Order of 2020

This photograph shows an uncharacteristically empty parking lot and main entrance at the Worthington Community Center on March 17, 2020. The Community Center temporarily closed beginning March 16, 2020; the facilities partially reopened, with revised health and safety protocols, on June 3, 2020. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered all Ohio gyms and fitness centers closed at the end of the day on March 16, along with bowling alleys, public recreation centers, movie theaters, water parks and trampoline parks. Restaurants and bars were closed to in-person dining on March 15, and schools were closed to in-person learning on March 12.

In addition to the closures of 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.