Ohio has reported 484,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and 7,023 deaths since the virus hit the U.S. with a vengeance nine months ago.

“We believe this will help reduce COVID-19 spread,” said DeWine when he announced the curfew last month, which was not the first curfew issued by the governor relative to the out-of-control pandemic. “I'm also asking each Ohioan every day to do at least one thing that reduces your contact with others."

DeWine said that "at 10 pm retail establishments should be closed and people should be at home."

The governor's emergency order comes at a time when bars and late night restaurants have become a problem in fighting the coronavirus and  liquor sales have increased in Ohio and nationwide relative to the outbreak, which hit the U.S. in March.

Violating the curfew order could lead to a second degree misdemeanor.

Businesses across the state that are losing money in droves behind the pandemic have been asked to cooperate as protesters expressed opposition to the curfew during a picket today at the Statehouse.

Exceptions to the curfew include those going to and from work, those in need of medical care, getting necessary food, and emergency situations.

The governor has also issued a statewide mask-wearing mandate.

The deadly virus for which there is no vaccine has spread to all 50 states and Washington, D.C. and the nation has nearly 14.9 million reported cases and some 244,000 people dead since early March,  worldwide figures showing that there are 67.3 million cases globally and roughly 1.5 million deaths.

And more than 40 million Americans are out of work due to the crippling pandemic.