COVID-19 Alert - May 18, 2020
By the Numbers:
270,041 individuals tested
28,454 total cases, 4,413 of which are health care workers
1,657 deaths
4,998 hospitalizations, 1,328 of which are in the intensive care unit
88 counties with at least one 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
Public Transit Shout Out:
The Governor opened his remarks with a video from the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority, noting the critical role public transit agencies play every day, and particularly as an essential service during this pandemic.
Safety Check on Bars and Restaurants:
In response to overcrowding at bar and restaurants over the weekend, Governor Mike DeWine announced that he is assembling a contingent of law enforcement and health officials from across the state, coordinated under the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU). This unit will surge-in to conduct safety compliance checks in crowded bars and restaurants.
The OIU will issue administrative citations that may result in revocation of liquor licenses, and work with municipal prosecutors to take potential criminal action against bad actors.
The Governor emphasized the close tie between economic recovery and how successful we are in preventing the spread of coronavirus, stating that the protocols for re-opening bars and restaurants were carefully crafted by an advisory group consisting of health officials and those that run bars and restaurants. Although he believes that most bars and restaurants did an amazing job of following the safety guidelines, there were clear outliers, which risk all bars and restaurants being open.
Lt. Governor Jon Husted reiterated the key components of the required safety protocols for bars and restaurants, which include 6-foot social distancing and that all customers must be seated when consuming food, beer and wine on premises.
Hospital Visitation Policies:
The Governor clarified that the State of Ohio, to include Ohio Department of Health Director (ODH) Director, Dr. Amy Acton, has never issued an order regarding visitation of loved ones at hospitals. Any such rules are being set by individual hospitals.
Outbreak at Georgetown Veterans Home Facility:
Governor DeWine ordered mass testing to take place at Ohio's two state nursing home facilities for veterans after one staff member and four residents tested positive for coronavirus.
Over the last week, nearly all 500 residents and 700 staff members have been tested, though only 50% of the results have been returned. As of today:
Sandusky facility: 24 residents and 3 staff tested positive.
Georgetown facility: 0 residents and staff confirmed positive.
More information can be found here:https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/OVHI/Ohio-Veterans-Homes-Info.pdf.
Outbreak at State Behavioral Healthcare Hospital:
Seven patients and four staff members at Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare Hospital in Columbus tested positive for COVID-19. In response, the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center arranged for testing of all individuals in the 25-person unit.
All impacted staff have been notified, are actively being monitored for symptoms, and are being urged to be tested. In addition, staff members working in this unit are now using full personal protective equipment, including masks, gowns, gloves, shoe covers, and face shields.
The hospital has since stopped taking new civil admissions and is working with Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Boards in impacted counties and local psychiatric hospitals in Franklin County to divert patients.
Updates for the state’s behavioral health hospitals are posted daily and can be found here:https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/MHAS/MHASCOVID-19Report.pdf.
Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections Update:
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC) Director Annette Chambers-Smith provided an update at today’s briefing focused on the increase in testing within ODRC facilities amongst staff, prisoners, and sometimes families of those impacted. Currently, about 17% of the entire ORDC population has been tested, and they will begin conducting anti-body testing.
As of yesterday, a third staff member from ODRC passed away from coronavirus - nurse Bernard Atta at the Correctional Reception Center in Orient.
The initial ODRC “hotspot” was Marion Correctional Institution, however the new “hotspot” is Belmont Correctional Institution. The National Guard is assisting in response, as well as the Highway Patrol.
Full details of the COVID-19 outbreak in ODRC can be found here:https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/DRCCOVID-19Information.pdf.
Game Plan for School Sanctioned Sports:
Lt. Governor Husted announced that the state will begin to coordinate with the Ohio High School Athletic Association to get a better picture of what can be done to limit the spread of coronavirus in regards to school sanctioned sports.
Churches Remain Open:
The Lt. Governor also reiterated that the state never ordered churches to close but asked that places of worship follow social distancing guidelines.
Wear a Mask:
Dr. Acton indicated that Ohio currently has a 1:1 coronavirus spread ratio and if we do not continue to take safety precautions, wear masks, and social distance, this ratio will increase.
Minority Strike Force Update Coming Thursday:
The Governor will provide a full briefing on Thursday, May 21, to discuss what the state has done, a and intends to do, in response to the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on minorities.
National Emergency Services Week:
The Governor thanked all emergency services workers for their dedication to protecting Ohioans.