Photograph of High Street, south of Route 161, during Ohio's Stay At Home Order of 2020

This photograph shows a southeasterly view from High Street, just south of Highway 161, in historic Old Worthington on March 20, 2020. The intersection of High State and New England Avenue is visible in the background, toward the right edge of the frame. The scene is devoid of pedestrians, and the restaurants visible in the photograph, including The Whitney House and Dewey’s Pizza, had closed their dining rooms to customers, per Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s order that restricted restaurants and bars to only offer carry-out service (beginning on March 15 and lasting until May 15, 2020).

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.