Complete Story
04/14/2020
COVID-19 Update from Governor DeWine
Ohio State Press Conference Summary: 4/10 - 4/13
Monday, 4/13: Governor DeWine announced the approval of federal funding for the hospital build out to improve capacity, additional ventilator purchases, and the purchase of additional personal protection equipment. The governor mentioned that some businesses are looking to purchase antibody testing kits for employees and possibly customers and that they should make sure their vendors are FDA approved. The governor was asked about where the authority resides for reopening the economy in Ohio. He indicated that he is getting advice from the medical and business communities as well as continued conversations with other governors and federal officials and that the plan would be an “Ohio plan” based on the best information they have available. They feel the actions that have been taken put Ohio in a better place to reopen safely.
Lt. Governor Husted stated that $5MM in emergency state funding has been allocated to support food banks in the state to purchase additional food and supplies. He stated that the unemployment system is still working toward improving their systems and level of customer service. He also issued a reminder that anyone that wants to vote needs to request an absentee ballot in order for vote by mail. Returned ballots need to be postmarked by 4/27 in order to be counted.
Friday, 4/10: Governor DeWine announced some changes to the way COVID-19 case data will be presented based on new CDC guidelines. This is based on new testing that will allow for rapid-read blood tests and also new office diagnosis guidelines.
Lt. Governor Husted relayed that the directors of the public transit systems are asking for riders to keep to essential activities and to wear a mask while riding public transportation. He also updated that there are 38,000 jobs that are posted for employers in essential industries. Those can be found at www.coronavirus.ohio.gov/jobsearch.
