March 19, 2020 COVID-19 Update from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) stated that Internet Cafe’s will be closing as there have been reports that they are a gathering place of individuals as the Coronavirus flows across the state.  There were no other closure or ban announcements issued today during a 2:30 PM COVID-19 press conference; however, various individuals did provide updates on what different state agencies are doing in order to ramp-up and meet the demand of various different needs of individuals around the state.

Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, MD, MPH, gave an update stating that as of today there are a total of 119 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio, a jump up from 88 confirmed cases just one day ago.  The illness onset dates range from February 7th to March 18th. The age range of those who have now tested positive for COVID-19 in Ohio is 2 years of age to 91 years of age with a median age of 48 1/2 years.  Sex is split overall 43 females and 76 males.  There have now been 33 hospitalizations (up from 26 yesterday), some of those requiring ICU, and 0 confirmed deaths encompassing individual in 24 Ohio counties (up from 19 yesterday).  According to https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/, those Ohio counties with positive COVID-19 tests include: Ashland (1), Belmont (2), Butler (8), Clark (1), Coshocton (2), Cuyahoga (53), Darke (1), Delaware (2), Franklin (10), Geauga (1), Hamilton (1), Huron (1), Lake (2), Lorain (6), Lucas (1), Mahoning (5), Medina (5), Miami (1), Montgomery (1), Richland (1), Stark (5), Summit (6), Trumbull (2), Tuscarawas (1).

There is one presumptive COVID-19 death in Maumee, Lucas County, Ohio.  More info on this to come as there is currently an ODH investigation underway.

Director Acton followed up the stats by stating that we are on the up-slope.  “It is time to head this call.  You need to stay home if you can stay home so we can protect our essential workers.”

With regards to those individuals who are traveling or on spring break, Dr. Acton urged these individuals to come home.  “Young people are turning out to be equally affected…” by COVID-19, Dr. Acton stated.  “Young people are getting ill.  You have to take this seriously and you have to help us not spread this virus”. Upon returning home, Governor DeWine recommends those who have been traveling to to please stay in your home and make sure you are not in contact with people who do not live in your home.  Director Acton recommends those who are traveling and returning home to self monitor yourself by taking your temperature and being cognizant of flu-life symptoms.

Dr. Acton also mentioned that for those who are healthy, one thing you can do to assist is to donate blood, stating, “Blood will be needed”.  To find out more about donating blood, please go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/.

Gov. DeWine addressed concerns raised by local government officials regarding conducting their business remotely stating that this is something the General Assembly will take up next week.  DeWine also made mention of a moratorium in regard to electric and gas disconnects by PUCO.  Gov. DeWine also spoke on rumors about martial law and quarantining people in their homes stating that these rumors are not true.  He followed up by warning Ohioans of scam artists, warning individuals to not give out your personal data.

Maureen Corcoran, Director of Ohio Department of Medicaid spoke on updates from the Ohio Department of Medicaid primarily indicating that there are steps being taken to improve access to telehealth which will allow those on Medicaid to seek treatment and consult with healthcare providers remotely.

Ursel McElroy, Director of Ohio Dept of Aging spoke about updates her department is making, but also helping individuals understand how we can come together to help our aging Ohioans. McElroy mentioned the importance of physical distancing and the use video chat and phone to call and check on older loved ones.  She also suggested health Ohioans to offer to go to the store, run errands, pick up medication and provide older Ohioans entertainment.  And, if you must visit someone who is elderly, use basic common sense by washing hands, etc..

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted made mention that Ohio’s application with the Small Business Administration for low interest loans was approved and that business owners can visit  disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or call 1-800-659-2955 for more information on obtaining low-interest loans up to $2M.  He also stated that last night the Trump administration sign a bill to make coronavirus testing free for those who are ill.  The bill also offered up paid sick and family leave, food assistance, etc.. With regards to unemployment, https://unemployment.ohio.gov/ is where you can apply.  111,000 unemployment claims have been filed since Monday.  Also, Husted mentioned that the banking system is well.  Banks and credit unions are part of the critical infrastructure that will be kept in place, and if individuals need to they can call their bank or lender and ask for a deferral for a car payment, loan payment, etc.

As Coronavirus sweeps through Ohio, Gov. DeWine has made numerous unprecedented orders for industry closure, bans on gatherings, etc.  Here is a timeline of orders issued by the DeWine administration in response to coronavirus:

• March 5: Gov. DeWine and Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announce Arnold Sports Festival closed to spectators and limited to athletes and parents of athletes
• March 9: Gov. DeWine declares a State of Emergency after three people test positive for coronavirus in Ohio.
• March 10: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose orders more than 100 polling locations at senior centers to be moved. Gov. DeWine and Acton ask colleges and universities to move toward online learning and for indoor sporting events to ban spectators. They also stop visits at prisons.
• March 11: Ohio’s fourth case of coronavirus is confirmed. Gov. DeWine limits nursing home visits to one person per patient per day. The governor also discusses plans for restrictions at public events.
• March 12: The fifth case of coronavirus is confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine and Acton order K-12 schools to shut down from March 17 to April 6, prohibit mass gatherings of more than 100 people and ban visitors at nursing homes and state psychiatric hospitals.
• March 13: Ohio has 13 confirmed cases of coronavirus. Gov. DeWine bans visitors at county jails and corrections centers.
• March 15: There are 37 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ohio. Gov. DeWine and Acton order all bars and restaurants to close dining rooms, but carry-out and delivery services can continue.
• March 16: Fifty cases of coronavirus confirmed in Ohio. Gov. DeWine asks for Ohio’s election to be extended to June 2. Gov. DeWine and Acton order bowling alleys, movie theaters, indoor water parks, indoor trampoline parks, fitness centers, gyms and recreation centers to close. Acton issues a public order in the evening closing Ohio’s polling locations.
• March 17: Gov. DeWine and Acton announced an Ohio Department of Health order declaring elective surgeries and procedures in hospitals be delayed to preserved personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. The governor also signed an executive order allowing Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to provide child care to families with parents who work in health, safety and essential service fields during the pandemic.
• March 19: Gov. DeWine ordered the closure of barbershops, beauty salons, tattoo parlors and hair and nail salons. More than 180 Bureau of Motor Vehicles registrar offices were also closed in the state. The governor asked that law enforcement not ticket people who were unable to renew their license due to the registrar closures. Gov. DeWine also asked businesses that are still open to take the temperature of every employee every day prior to work.