Governor Mike DeWine announced Thursday afternoon that Ohio’s Stay at Home order will now be extended to May 1.

The order goes into effect the evening of April 6, when the current order is set to expire.

“Things are certainly not going to be ready to go by May 1,” said DeWine.

According to DeWine, the new order requires essential retail businesses to limit the number of people allowed to enter the building at one time in order to prevent overcrowding.

DeWine said it will be up to the individual business to establish that number.

As the weather improves, outdoor activities such as organized adult and youth sports will be prohibited.

State parks will remain open, but certain actions could be taken if needed to limit person-to-person contact.

“We look forward to the day that we can be back open,” said DeWine.