COVID-19 Alert - May 11, 2020

By the Numbers:

• 209,153 individuals tested

• 24,777 total cases, 3,841 of which are health care workers

• 1,357 deaths

• 4,413 hospitalizations, 1,217 of which are in the intensive care unit

• All 88 counties have at least one confirmed case

• Ages range from less than one year old to 108 years of age, with a median age of 50

• State of Ohio COVID-19 dashboard: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/dashboard

Re-Opening Update:

• By the end of the week, approximately 90% of Ohio’s economy is eligible to open back up. The Governor reminded Ohioans that face coverings are mandatory for most workers, however, it is up to business owners as to whether customers must wear masks inside their businesses.

• A video demonstrating the safety measures in place at many Ohio businesses was shared: https://twitter.com/GovMikeDeWine/status/1259908948976635908?s=20.

• The other upcoming industry sector re-openings include:

Child Care Opening Date TBD:

• Governor DeWine made no official childcare announcement and stated that his team is still working on a re-opening plan. He emphasized that he will not announce a date until specific science-based safety protocols are in place that can be explained to caregivers and families. He stated: "There may not be a more important decision we make with regard to the safety of Ohio as we move forward. ... We must lead in this area. Our goal is to develop the best possible protocol in the country."

High Proof Liquor Rebate:

• JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Commerce will offer a one-time rebate to bars and restaurants to defray the cost of restocking for re-opening. Eligible permit holders can receive a $500 rebate to purchase high proof spirituous liquor at their assigned wholesale Contract Liquor Agency. More information can be found here: http://Wholesale.OHLQ.com.

Ohio’s Economy:

• Governor DeWine mentioned the numerous advisory groups that continue to meet regarding re-opening protocols, they are listed here: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/responsible-restart-ohio/advisory-groups/advisory-groups.  

• The Governor specifically spoke about the working groups focused on re-opening gyms and outdoor recreation, noting that he expects recommendations relatively soon.

• Lt. Governor Husted stated that the standards for businesses re-opening are more stringent than those under the initial “essential business guidance”, particularly due to increased access to sanitation and masks.

• The Lt. Governor also spoke to the continued partnership between government and the private sector, stating that they are working to grow the market in both Ohio, and domestically, to produce essential items so there is not such a high reliance on other countries. Additionally, he highlighted recently that NetJets utilized several of their planes to pick up much needed tests in Shanghai and deliver them to Ohio when there was no other way to get the tests here.

• Lt. Governor Husted also mentioned the state’s focus on a broad-band strategy in an effort to build a winning future in Ohio, expanding broadband access has been a priority of the administration. 

• Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director, Dr. Acton, reminded businesses, that if you an employee is found to be positive for COVID-19, the very first thing you should do is call your local health department to alert them, the Department of Health can work with you to inform you on the appropriate next steps and best practices.

COVID-19 Testing and Contact Tracing:

• Dr. Acton discussed the increase in testing and contract tracing and explained that testing is not treatment. (The Governor noted that he expected to test 14,000 Ohioans today, and within the next week or two, the state will test 22,000 Ohioans daily).

• Dr. Acton also announced a new state study related to antibody testing. Over the next several weeks, the state will conduct a voluntary random sample of 1,200 Ohioans to test antibodies. ODH will send a postcard and follow-up letter to Ohioans from all over the state, in both rural and urban areas. Should you agree to participate, someone will come to your house, take a nasal swab and also do a blood test. More information will be released in the coming days.  

• The Governor said that the Ohio Department of Medicaid Director will discuss the state’s plan to increase testing to residents of nursing homes tomorrow.