Photograph of Graceland Shopping Center during Ohio's Stay At Home Order of 2020

This photograph shows a mostly-empty parking lot in front of Graceland Shopping Center on March 20, 2020. Although empty storefronts 151 and 155 shown in this photo had permanently closed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, other stores, such as Music & Arts (visible beyond tree in center of frame) temporarily closed in-person business operations to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

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.