CLEVELANDURBANNEWS.COM, COLUMBUS, Ohio- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday lifted what is left of his stay-at-home order issued March 22 relative to the coronavirus outbreak as he continues reopening Ohio in phases.

It its place the governor says is his recommendation for Ohioans to practice safe social distancing and limit large gatherings, among other precautions, including that the elderly do as much as possible to avoid public gatherings altogether.

"We are now moving from orders to strong recommendations," said DeWine during a press conference on Tuesday.

He said that Ohioans have to begin "living with the virus."

Though the governor's order frees Ohioans from their homes it does not specifically clear the way for large gatherings.

A former U.S. senator and an Ohio attorney general-turned governor, DeWine, a Republican, began reopening Ohio May 1 following statehouse protests over shutdowns and closings of businesses and other venues, protests mirrored in other states by people demanding that their states be reopened.

He has an 83 percent approval rating on how he is handling the pandemic, polls show, the highest of all of the country's governors.

Consumer, retail and service businesses across Ohio reopened last Tuesday with stipulations imposed by the governor that include social distancing of six feet,  mandates for employees such as face coverings in some instances, and specified working hours depending on the business at issue.

Ohio's bars and restaurants reopened for outdoor dining on May 15, and will reopen for indoor dining on May 21.

DeWine, however, has not ordered that patrons of the businesses wear face coverings and his reopening order precludes businesses from banning such coverings.

Hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, tattoo and piercing services, massage services, day spas and tanning salons have also been given approval to reopen.

Campgrounds have the green light to reopen May 21, and horse-racing can restart May 22.

Public pools, aquatic centers, gyms, fitness centers and recreation centers will reopen May 26 under specific guidelines issued by DeWine.

Daycare centers, and movie theaters remain closed as well as sports facilities that draw large crowds.

The state's K-12 schools will stay closed for the remainder of the academic year.

Ohio has reported more than 28,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and 1,720 deaths.

The state's unemployment rate jumped to 5.5% in March from 4.1. % in February, and since the coronavirus outbreak hit the state some two months ago, Ohio has lost more than 40,000 jobs.