Gov. Mike DeWine has confirmed three cases of Covid-19 virus in Cuyahoga County, the first cases confirmed in the state.
DeWine today (March 9) announced several actions to address the virus including declaring a state of emergency in the state. A state Emergency Center was “partially activated” early this afternoon.
Here’s the news release issued by the governor’s office:
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today took a number of actions in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). He signed Executive Order 2020-01D, declaring a state of emergency in Ohio to protect the well-being of Ohioans from the dangerous effects of COVID-19. The state of emergency allows state departments and agencies to better coordinate in their response.
In addition, Governor DeWine partially activated the state Emergency Operations Center at 1:00 p.m. today.
Also, Governor DeWine, joined by Ohio Department of Health Amy Acton M.D., MPH today announced that three Ohioans tested positive for COVID-19. These are the first cases in Ohio. The three individuals live in Cuyahoga County and have had known contact with those with confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19. Each of the individuals is in their 50s.
For the latest information on COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov. In addition, those with questions about COVID-19 can call the Ohio Department of Health hotline at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
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OSU suspending face-to-face classes
March 10
Ohio State University is suspending face-to-face instruction in lectures, discussion sections, seminars and other similar classroom settings and moving to virtual instruction, effective immediately and through at least Monday, March 30. The university is evaluating classroom experiences such as laboratory and performance classes, and the university will provide specific guidance this week.
The university will reevaluate these guidelines on an ongoing basis and share updates or modifications as more information becomes available.
While completing classes virtually, students may choose to return to their permanent place of residence or return to campus, where appropriate social distancing and enhanced preventive public health and hygiene measures will be actively encouraged.
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House Dems ask DeWine to create temporary paid sick leave due to coronavirus
House Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine Monday urging him to consider creating a temporary paid sick leave program to lessen the impact a coronavirus outbreak would have on the state.
“We appreciate that the Ohio Department of Health is asking employers to be flexible with their sick leave policies and allowing employees to stay home,” the 34 lawmakers wrote. “However, there is no guarantee employers will grant this request, and at the same time, employees who live paycheck-to-paycheck and cannot afford to stay away from their jobs will need income.”
A release said the governor has several options to fund the program, including:
- Declaring an emergency and using general revenue funding,
- Utilizing money from the Controlling Board’s Emergency Purposes Fund,
- Tapping into the Budget Stabilization Fund, which is already nearing full capacity,
- Using TANF funds that have been reserved for emergencies and unforeseen circumstances.
From David C. DeWitt, Ohio Capital Journal
