Tourists to Put-in-Bay sideline safety guidelines

PUT-IN-BAY — Are tourists being kept safe from the COVID-19 pandemic while they visit Put-in-Bay? Some are questioning whether the island's businesses are doing enough to enforce social distancing and other safety measures. The Ottawa County Health Department has been getting calls with complaints about island businesses, health director Nancy Osborn said. The agency gets about 10 COVID-related complaints daily about businesses in the county, and she estimated about a third of those involve Put-in-Bay businesses or ferry services to the island. "(The complaints are) usually, 'I went to this place, it was very crowded and people weren't wearing masks,'" Osborn said. When the health department receives complaints about island businesses, staff members call the owner or operator to educate them on proper safety measures. If it gets more than one complaint about the same business, the department will travel to the location to meet with the business operator in-person. Osborn said that any place that does not practice social distancing is prone to having the virus spread, but she said she didn't believe Put-in-Bay was at any more risk than mainland Ottawa County. No enforcement action has been taken against any Ottawa County businesses not in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines. The current state order on regulations for businesses is due to expire July 1, she said. Osborn said the focus in Ottawa County has been education over enforcement. County prosecutor James VanEerten said that the health department could file a civil preliminary injunction in common pleas court against non-compliant businesses, but that's not been the county's focus. "Our stance has been that these are tough times for everyone. We have tried to do what the state has pushed — soft enforcement — we're merely trying to educate (businesses)," VanEerten said. Peter Houston, director of Put-in-Bay's chamber of commerce, said that island businesses are taking the virus seriously. "There's not a proprietor on the island who doesn't have (safety) as a top priority," Houston said. "From the ferries to the bars, to the restaurants, to activities and attractions, they're all doing what's required of them: setting up appointments, keeping people waiting their turn." He said that no one can force tourists coming to the island to keep 6 feet apart or wear masks. "We are very, very aware of all the rules and regulations and are working so hard. Every individual who comes here has the choice of what they're comfortable with," Houston said. "If someone chooses to not wear a mask and stand too close to someone, that's their First Amendment right." Village Mayor Jessica Dress said the island has addressed the virus and has distributed flyers encouraging people to wear masks around the island. "It's an individual's choice. Many visitors are not wearing masks," she said. She continued: "Many (businesses) are doing a very good job limiting their seating, much different than the usual Put-in-Bay. Other business owners are making other choices, it's not something I can condone." Ottawa County has 126 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Friday, with 30 hospitalizations and 23 deaths, according to the Ohio Department of Health.