Many citizens and business owners are asking when Ashland will start the process of relaxing restrictions on physical distancing and limitations on businesses. Through consultation with State and County officials, Ashland has confirmed that local governments do not have the authority to move forward with any reopening actions that conflict with the Governor’s Executive Orders. Also, the City must follow Jackson County’s guidance during any phases of reopening.
The Governor’s Office plans to release a phased reopening plan next week. According to Jackson County, Public Health staff have reviewed draft reopening plans distributed by the Governor’s Office and assessed the County’s capacity to meet components of the Governor’s anticipated reopening first phase. The County Board of Commissioners have directed staff to prepare a letter to the Governor’s Office which outlines the County’s ability to meet the draft reopening criteria for the first phase of reopening. The County underscored that any reopening actions by the Board of Commissioners must be approved by the Governor’s Office. Local governments will not have the ability to choose which sectors will have the ability to proceed with phase one of reopening, nor what will be required of certain sectors when they are able to begin reopening.
A Jackson County draft reopening plan has been completed and is being reviewed. Local hospitals have been briefed on the draft of the plan and discussions with them are continuing. Required letters of support for the County’s reopening plan have also been requested.
The City of Ashland will follow all prescribed reopening phases and remains in close coordination with State and County officials to help citizens understand impending changes to the Stay Home, Save Lives orders from the Governor.
