COVID-19 Alert - June 23, 2020
By the Numbers:
667,077 individuals tested
46,127 total cases, 6,542 of which are health care workers
2,735 deaths
7,379 hospitalizations, 1,876 of which are in the intensive care unit
88 counties with at least one case
Ages range from less than one year old to 109 years of age, with a median age of 47
State of Ohio COVID-19 dashboard: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/dashboard
Governor and Lt. Governor Tested for Coronavirus on Live TV:
In an effort to promote testing, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted were tested for COVID-19 at the beginning of today’s press conference.
Ohio Launches 3 COVID-19 PSAs:
The Governor launched three new Public Service Announcements (PSAs) today.
The first two ads are titled “I Believe,” and focus on real Ohioans who are reinforcing the interventions that medical experts tell us will make a difference in slowing the spread of the coronavirus. Highlighted in the PSAs are Kevin Sharrett, a doctor, farmer, and Greene County Coroner, and Shareece Mashiska, a nurse manager at Mercy Health-St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. The third PSA is called “Up to All of Us” and features Dr. Laura Espy-Bell, an OhioHealth Emergency Medicine Physician, and Gary Callicoat, a local restaurant owner and operator.
Vandalism at Statehouse:
In response to the damage to the Ohio Statehouse last Thursday, the Governor spoke to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) and requested an increase to the number of troopers stationed at the Statehouse to ensure this damage does not occur again in the future.
Demonstrations:
While addressing all demonstrators, the Governor explained that although the vast majority are peaceful and have every right to protest, there are others who are clearly there for violence, which will not be tolerated. He instructed the OSHP to investigate all vandalism and illegal acts and take them to the prosecutor.
He further urged all demonstrators to wear a mask.
Reduction in Well Child Visits:
Dr. Sara Bode, primary care pediatrician and the medical director of Nationwide Children's Hospital's Care Connection School-Based Health and Mobile Clinics, joined the press conference to discuss the importance of vaccines and continuing well child visits, emphasizing that pediatric offices are open and safe.
Criminal Justice Grants:
Governor DeWine announced the first round of funding to local criminal justice entities as part of the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Grant. Approximately $2.1 M will be awarded to a total of 65 local criminal justice agencies including law enforcement, probation/parole offices, corrections agencies, courts, and victim service providers.
The funding can be used toward COVID-19 expenses such as cleaning supplies, PPE, and medical supplies like thermometers. The funding will also be used to pay for technology upgrades that are needed for teleworking or other virtual services. A complete list of today's grant recipients can be found at coronavirus.ohio.gov.
A total of roughly $16 M was awarded to Ohio's Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) for this program as part of the CARES Act. OCJS continues to process other grant applications they’ve already received and are still accepting new applications from agencies that have not yet requested funding.
More information on how to apply can be found at www.ocjs.ohio.gov
Advice on Independence Day Celebrations:
Lt. Governor Husted explained that the ban on large gatherings is still in place and requested that any events held in celebration of Independence Day or over the summer, are done so in a safe manner.
Specifically, fireworks shows are not prohibited, but the state is requesting they not be done in conjunction with large gatherings. The Lt. Governor recommends that Ohioans celebrate safely with small groups, social distancing, masks and sanitizer.