All of the state’s numbers can be found at coronavirus.ohio.gov
ALCOHOL SALE AND ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION LIMITS
Governor DeWine announced today that he has asked the Ohio Liquor Control Commission to call an emergency meeting to consider enacting a statewide emergency rule to limit liquor sales at establishments that serve alcohol for on-site consumption. The rule would prevent the sale of alcohol at these liquor-permitted establishments beginning at 10:00 p.m. each night. On-premises consumption must end by 11:00 p.m. Businesses may stay open, and establishments that sell food can continue serving meals until closing.
Governor DeWine requested the new administrative rule after seeing outbreaks associated with bars across Ohio including Toledo, Cleveland, and Columbus. “The problem is, bars, by their nature, lend themselves to a revolving door of people in close contact, oftentimes indoors, with interactions between many different people,” said Governor DeWine. “While this may have been fine during normal times, these are not normal times. We must make a change to curb the social behaviors that will cause this virus to continue to spread.” Separately, Governor DeWine is also asking the commission to raise the number of liquor and mixed drinks permitted to be purchased for carryout with a meal from two drinks to three drinks.The Ohio Liquor Control Commission will hold its emergency meeting tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. If the emergency administrative rule is approved, Governor DeWine will sign an executive order making it effective tomorrow night.
MASS GATHERING ORDER
Governor DeWine announced that Ohio will separate its mass gathering guidance into its own order. Mass gathering guidance was most recently referenced as part of other orders, and combining this information into a stand-alone order will allow citizens to easily find guidance on holding gatherings in a safe manner.
Mass gatherings in Ohio remain limited to 10 people.
“We have seen cases in recent weeks where outbreaks have been connected to informal social gatherings like birthday parties, neighborhood gatherings, graduation parties, weddings, funerals, and gatherings at people’s homes,” said Governor DeWine. “The fact remains that this virus spreads when someone with the virus comes in contact with others who don’t yet have it. When we gather together with people outside our households, we increase the likelihood this virus can spread.”
The order will still permit Ohioans to go to work, worship, go to school, and acquire goods and services, however, this order will offer clear recommendations on safely holding gatherings.
- Gatherings at a household or family residence should be limited to close friends and family and are recommended to be 10 visitors or less.
- Residents in a red or purple county, as designated by the Ohio Public Health Advisory System, should limit hosting or attending gatherings of any size.
- Wear a mask at all times at gatherings and maintain physical distance.
- Use take out, outdoor dining, or indoor dining only when strict social distancing can be maintained.
- Take extra precautions if you go to bars or nightclubs, where use of masks typically is inconsistent and drinking alcohol can lead to less social distancing.
- Protect anyone with serious medical conditions at home by social distancing at home, wearing a mask, and using high levels of personal hygiene.
- High-risk individuals should take extra precautions to limit the number of people they interact with.
- Make the group of people you interact with most often as small as possible and make sure that they are taking appropriate COVID-19 precautions – even if you are just gathering with family friends or neighbors at your home.
CHILD CARE RATIOS
Governor DeWine announced that child care providers in Ohio may return to their normal, statutory ratios and class sizes beginning on August 9, 2020. Child care providers have a choice to increase the number of children and staff members to the normal statutory ratios or to maintain their current, lower ratios to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is structuring a financial incentive to providers that maintain smaller ratios and classroom sizes. “Children cannot learn unless they are safe and cared for, and without access to child care, parents may resort to less-than-ideal options for their child’s care, such as relying on an elderly grandparent who is at greater risk for contracting COVID-19. By allowing normal ratios to resume, we’re giving parents more options,” said Governor DeWine. “We will continue to closely monitor reports of COVID-19 in child care, as well as compliance with rules and best practices, so that we can respond as needed to keep our children, families, and teachers safe.”
All child care providers must comply with stringent health and safety requirements including:
- Face coverings for all staff and children over 10, unless they have a health exemption;
- Symptom and temperature checks when staff and children arrive;
- Washing hands throughout the day, including upon arrival and before departure;
- Frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces; and
- Regular deep cleanings.
Additionally, providers must report any COVID-19 cases to ODJFS and their local health department.
COUNTY AND INDEPENDENT FAIRS
Governor DeWine announced today that county and independent fairs with an opening day on or after July 31, 2020, will be limited to specific junior fair events. Junior fair activities such as livestock competitions and 4-H and Future Farmers of America competitions for kids and teenagers may continue as planned, but junior fairs must develop a plan that reduces crowding in barns, such as limiting entrance to only the immediate family of those actively showing their animals or projects. A 10 p.m. curfew will also be instituted for the barns, buildings, and midways. Harness racing can proceed with no spectators, but rides, games, and grandstand events will be prohibited to limit crowds and better prevent coronavirus spread
GOVERNOR DEWINE ASKS ALL OHIOANS TO WEAR MASKS WHEN OUTSIDE
In a statewide address from his office in the Statehouse tonight Governor DeWine said that the state is at a critical point in the COVID-19 pandemic and implored Ohioans to take appropriate action to reverse the rapidly increasing spread of the virus.“Today, more Ohioans are getting sick than at any previous point in this pandemic. We are sliding down a very dangerous path, with our once flattened-curve starting to sharpen and spike,” said Governor DeWine. “This is a worrisome, disturbing reversal of our progress — a jarring reminder of just how quickly our fate can change.” Governor DeWine commended Ohioans for doing their part at the beginning of the pandemic. However, with positive cases increasing, he reminded Ohioans that the choices they make today will impact the spread of the virus in the coming weeks. During the speech, grounded in scientific evidence and data, Governor DeWine reminded Ohioans about the efficacy of facial coverings to protect themselves, loved ones, friends, neighbors and other citizens. He also renewed the call to socially distance and limit public gatherings.“I am calling on all Ohioans to once again unite. We must work together, support each other, and help each other through this challenging time. I’ve seen you do this. I know you can do this. Ohioans can continue to help our most vulnerable, while also protecting ourselves and our families. Together, we can be the Ohio where our hospitals are not overwhelmed, where our schools can open, where sports can start, and where our economy can continue to grow, Governor DeWine added.
REMINDER FROM WOOSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
As COVID-19 continues to grow as a public health concern in our communities, all of us have a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting vulnerable populations. Wooster Community Hospital would like to remind the public that the vast majority of people who are infected with COVID-19 will have mild/moderate symptoms and will not require hospitalization. These symptoms include a fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, tiredness and body aches.If you have mild symptoms the best thing you can do is stay home and self-isolate, practicing frequent hand hygiene and limiting close contact with others.If you develop worsening symptoms, we recommend that you contact your Primary Care Provider, have a virtual visit using our WCH Today Care app or call the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4ASKODH. 1-833-427-5634.The current CDC guidelines require patients to meet specific criteria in order to be tested for COVID-19. Wooster Community Hospital is currently only able to test patients who are sick enough to be admitted to the hospital. We are not able to test on an outpatient basis at this time. As testing becomes more available, we will communicate this information out to the public.If you are experiencing severe symptoms, visit the emergency department or call 911.Wash your hands, maintain social distancing and stay well. Thank you.
GOV. MIKE DEWINE
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved their request to allow small businesses and nonprofits in Ohio to apply for low-interest, long-term loans of up to $2 million through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Governor DeWine on Thursday also announced that he has signed an executive order to expand and enhance telehealth options for Ohio Medicaid recipients and their providers amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
ENHANCED UNEMPLOYMENT AID FOR OHIOANS
The Governor has issued an executive order, which will grant the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) with the authority to accept and grant requests for unemployment compensation suspending the normal 1-week waiting period. This order will also give relief to applicants who are not offered paid leave through their job, as well as those who have been quarantined by a medical professional, their employer, or whose employers must temporarily close. Those who apply for unemployment under these circumstances will be exempt from the requirement that they be actively seeking work.
Has your job been impacted by COVID-19? You may be eligible for unemployment benefits.
Visit: unemployment.ohio.gov
If you’ve already filed an application, you do not need to add the mass-layoff number. Your application will still be processed.
Here is the website for ODJFS: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm
SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES & NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:
The Ohio Development Services Agency is preparing to submit an application in the coming week to qualify Ohio for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. This program provides low-interest loans up to $2 million in order to help businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue during the state of emergency.
Non profit organizations in Ohio will also be eligible for low-interest loans through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
In order to complete the state’s application, businesses impacted by the current public health crisis should immediately send their contact information to [email protected]. Additional information on the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program is available at SBA.gov/Disaster.
The state will also extend unemployment benefits to workers affected by the coronavirus, including workers who don’t have paid leave. That will include workers whose employers have closed because of the virus and people forced to self-quarantine by a physician or employer.
The state will also eliminate the one-week waiting period to receive benefits and the requirement beneficiaries be actively seeking work.
The state’s unemployment benefits website is www.unemployment.ohio.gov
Ohioans with questions about coronavirus are encouraged to call the state’s toll-free help line,
1-833-4-ASK-ODH or visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.