Navigating Columbus During COVID-19 – Closures, Tips, & Things You Can Still Do

With all of the uncertainty over the COVID-19 pandemic in the last few weeks, Byers Imports is here to help you navigate. Below we will cover a list of current closures around Columbus, tips for staying healthy and avoiding spreading coronavirus, and things you can still do from home or in your vehicle to stay busy and entertained.

Closures in Columbus, Ohio

Governor Mike DeWine issues several orders recently to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect at-risk populations.

• Schools have closed.
• Bars and restaurants throughout Ohio have closed while some still serve customers through carry-out and delivery options.
• Residents are seeing a limit on visits to nursing homes with exemptions for end-of-life cases.
• Sporting events are being held without spectators or they have been canceled completely.
• There is also a prohibition on mass gatherings of over 50 people.
• There are orders to stop visitations at county jails.
• The Primary Election was postponed to June 2nd.
• All but five BMV offices were closed.
• The closure of barbershops, hairdressers, nail salons, and tattoo parlors was implemented.

You can check the news for continual updates on closures throughout Columbus and Ohio.

Tips for Staying Healthy & Avoiding Spreading the Virus

Some might still be curious about the best ways to avoid spreading the virus and how to stay healthy during this time. Tips based on CDC guidelines include the following:

• Sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow to keep germs from spreading
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer in between hand-washing
• Don’t share cups, spoons, forks, etc. with anyone
• Don’t make food for anyone if you are sick
• Don’t go to work or school if you are sick
• Practice social distancing (limit contact and stay 6-feet away from others)
• Visit a doctor, urgent care, or emergency department if you are sick

Download and read the CDC’s full COVID-19 information sheet now.

Things You Can Do from Home

As members of our community are forced to stay home more than normal, we want to help by offering some ideas for things you can do to pass the time. It might be time to learn a new hobby or catch up on some neglected chores. Many activities can be done with the help of local businesses!

Visit a Museum (Virtually)

Your entire family has the ability to visit a museum from the comfort of your couch. Museums all around the world are giving people the opportunity to take in art and history through virtual tours while practicing social distancing. This is a fun, unique way for adults and kids to stay engaged.

Stream Exercise Classes from Local Fitness Studios

Maintaining an exercise regimen is a good way to stay healthy and grounded while you are staying inside more. Many local fitness studios are streaming sessions with their instructors or posting workouts online.

Stimulate Your Brain with Puzzles & Games

More ways to put your brain to work or to keep your kids busy is with a puzzle, a book or Sudoku, or a group board game. These can be purchased at local game shops or stores that are staying open (just remember to keep your distance from people and follow safety guidelines).

Catch Up on Reading

Now is a good time to start on that stack of books you said you would read this year. If you would like to buy books, check with a local bookstore to see how they are handling the outbreak. They might be delivering or opening for quick pop-ins. This is also a great way to support local businesses during this uncertain time.

Create a Specialty Treat or Meal

Oftentimes, people don’t have the time to bake something spectacular or cook a gourmet meal at home. Now might be the time to find a baking kit or specialty ingredients at local specialty food stores so you can still enjoy fancy bakery treats at home.

Things You Can Do from Your Vehicle

If you are getting stir-crazy at home, there are several things you can do to get out of the house beyond essential grocery trips. While restaurants are closed down, many still have drive-through or curbside pick up options. Taking a trip to a local eatery to pick up your favorite meal might end up being exactly what you need and it helps support local restaurants during these trying times. Alternatively, some folks are supporting their favorite local restaurants and retailers by buying gift cards that can be used later.

Somewhere else you can go while practicing social distancing is the local parks and trail systems around Columbus. There are several Metro Parks in the city that offer the opportunity for outdoor activity and exploring including:

• Inniswood – More than 100 acres of woods and streams to explore and easy trails for hiking.
• Homestead Park – 44 acres in Hilliard that include hiking trails, scenic views, covered bridges, barns, and more.
• Coffman Park – Features the amphitheater, skate park, fishing ponds, and more nearby in Dublin.
• Indian Run Falls – This natural gorge offers trails, observation platforms, and a bridge over the waterfalls.
• Battelle Darby Creek – This offers 7,000 acres to hike and explore.

As always, check weather conditions before venturing to local parks and trails and make sure you take precautions to avoid contact with others not in your household.

Visit the Dealership to Shop or Service Your Car While Practicing Social Distancing

If you do need to go shopping or have your vehicle serviced, the dealership can be a safe place to go during the COVID-19 outbreak. The dealership is unlikely to be overly crowded and now might be the time to find your next Porsche, Subaru, Volkswagen, or Audi in your free time. Make sure to bring your own hand sanitizer to disinfect your hands after a test drive and limit your time at the dealership by researching and applying for financing on our website.

Contact Byers Imports to learn more about what we are doing to prevent the spread and protect our customers during this time.