COVID-19 Alert - November 11

Governor DeWine diverged from his usual mid-afternoon coronavirus update to address Ohioans this evening about the current surge, which he described as more intense, dangerous and widespread than any other time since this pandemic began.  A full summary of his address can be found below.

By the Numbers:

• Individuals Tested: 4,994,937

• 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 41

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

• Total Cases: 267,356 (23,997 of which are health care workers)

• Case Increase in Last 24-Hour Period: 5,874

• 21 Day Reported Case Average: 3,779

• Total Deaths: 5,623

• Deaths Reported in Last 24-Hour Period: 76

• 21 Day Reported Death Average: 23

• Total Hospitalizations: 21,290 (4,122 of which are in the intensive care unit)

• Hospitalization Increase in last 24-Hour Period: 253

• 21 Day Reported Hospitalizations Average: 179

Vaccine Coming, But Not Yet Available:

• The Governor began his address with the promising news regarding a coronavirus vaccine that Pfizer is developing, which could be available as early as December. He indicated that Ohio will be ready to get it out as soon as the state receives the vaccine, which he anticipates will come in batches. His first priority is to get it to the most vulnerable Ohioans and essential workers, and eventually to the general population to gain herd immunity.

• However, at this time, the vaccine is not available, and Ohio is in the midst of its “third wave.” Governor DeWine warned that this surge is much more intense, widespread, and dangerous. As of today, all 88 counties have a high rate of virus spread, and areas of our state that were previously untouched - our rural areas - are being hit especially hard.

Record Case Numbers, Hospital Admissions & Ohioans in ICUs:

• At the end of September, the state averaged under 1,000 cases a day and yesterday we reached a record of 6,500 cases.

• Ohio also has a record number of patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). A month ago, 240 patients with COVID were in the ICU receiving critical care and tonight, more than 700 Ohioans are in the ICU. In fact, in the first week of November 104 Ohioans died.

• Today, hospitals are functioning as if at the peak of the flu season in January. But unlike the flu, when personnel know cases will begin to drop in late winter/early spring, these new COVID cases aren’t trending down. Unlike the spring where the state was worried about enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the concern now is whether we will have enough healthcare workers.

• Governor DeWine warned that in just a few short weeks hospitals may be forced to postpone less urgent care, with hospital leaders stating that Ohio remains in a true state of emergency.

Get Back to the Basics:

• In response, the governor urged us to “get back to the basics” which include:

  • Wearing a mask

  • Maintaining at least six feet of distance from others

  • Washing your hands frequently

  • Not having parties and get-togethers in your house

  • Trying to get adequate fresh air in your home

Ban on Mass Gatherings Remains in Effect:

• In addition, he reminded Ohioans that a previous order issued in April, which is still in effect, bans social gatherings of more than 10 people. This applies to public events as well as private gatherings.

• Despite this order, the state has seen rampant spread of the virus as a result of banquets, wedding receptions, and social gatherings following funerals. Noting that it is not necessarily the ceremonies causing the problem, but the party afterward.

• To address this, Governor DeWine will soon be issuing a new order to place significant new restrictions on these social activities including:

  • Open congregate areas can no longer be open.

  • People will be required to be seated and masked unless they are actively consuming food or drinks.

  • Activities such as dancing and games will be prohibited.

Closure of Restaurants, Bars & Fitness Centers May Come Next:

·         If the current trend continues and cases keep increasing, the state may close restaurants, bars, and fitness centers. The Governor will re-assess this next week.

Online Higher Education Helping:

·         Governor DeWine also thanked the colleges and universities for agreeing not to return to in-person classes until after Thanksgiving and encouraged virtual classes until January to help reduce community spread.

Encouragement to Stay Home:

·         Pleading with Ohioans, the Governor asked us all to recommit to individual efforts to stay safe, by forging birthday parties and baby showers, not attending get-to-togethers to watch the football games, working from home when we can, and generally staying home if possible.

·         He also urged particular care around the Thanksgiving holiday, stating that when someone you don’t live with enter your “bubble,” it puts everyone you live with at risk.

Final Plea:

·         Governor DeWine ended his address proclaiming that there are few times in our lives that we will ever be able to do something - or refrain from doing something - that will or can save a life, and this is one of those rare times.