Critical Details to know about the Cronoavirus situation in Ohio include a rise in deaths, emergency budget cuts, and clarifications on the stay at home orders. Here are 11 Critical Details.
Critical Detail #1 – Number of cases
There are 442 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in 46 counties. There have been six deaths and 104 hospitalizations. The age range of patients is less than 1 to 93. More deaths are under investigation. Ohio Department of Health Director, Dr. Amy Acton, cautioned there could be many more. “Testing is very limited in Ohio.”
Critical Detail #2 – Childcare Priorities
Childcare facilities will need a temporary pandemic license starting Thursday. They can apply at jfs.ohio.gov/cdc. Priority will be given to parents who work in healthcare or first responders. Other parents can apply for open slots.
Critical Detail # 3 – Budget Cuts Ordered
Since the state is expecting a drastic drop in revenue, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered state budget cuts. There is an immediate state government hiring freeze for anything not related to Coronavirus. There will also be a freeze on new contract services. Each cabinet member has been ordered to cut their budget and spending up to 20%. The Governor said they will be consulting with State Legislature about dipping into the rainy day fund because, as he said, “It’s raining.”
Critical Detail #4 – Doctors Should Use Telehealth
Dr. Acton urged doctors to use phone and video calls to assess patients instead of in-person visits. She said doctors didn’t need a test to tell those with symptoms and their families to self-quarantine and isolate at home. She said it’s important to take a thorough medical history of the whole family over the phone and monitor their patients for worsening symptoms. “Keep patients and home and not in your waiting room.” She said the greatest threat of spread was medical providers moving between hospitals and nursing homes.
Critical Detail #5 – Stay The Heck Home
Ohio’s order to stay home with the exception of essential activities goes into effect at 11:59 pm on Monday. Dr. Acton said, “The most important thing we can all do right now is to stay at home. That is our tool chest right now. She said by staying home, Ohioans can help build herd immunity without threatening the vulnerable population. The state will then be able to use testing to trace the spread of the disease. She said the 80% who recover quickly from Coronavirus will be able to get back to work and get the economy moving again.”
Critical Detail #6 – Manufacturing Can Stay Open
Lt. Governor Jon Husted said that many manufacturers can stay open as long as they meet two criteria. They are part of the essential supply chain and they are able to implement social distancing and sanitize surfaces. If employees see an issue at their jobs, they should call the local health department.
Critical Detail #7 – When Does It End?
When asked when Ohio might ease restrictions, Governor DeWine said, “We will move away from this just as soon as they can.”
He referred to Dr. Acton who said the situation is still evolving. “This is an unprecedented response to an unprecedented disease. Two times as contagious, 20 times as deadly. The science is continuing to evolve. We have to figure out how to withdraw safely once we’ve gotten past the surge.”
Critical Detail #8 – Not Looking To Arrest Anyone
The Governor said he’d spoken to Ohio Sheriffs and planned to speak to Police Chiefs about the order. “We’re not looking to see arrests. We’re not looking to see citations issued.” He said that he hoped Ohioans would realize the seriousness of the situation and cooperate. “We’ve moved from asking to telling.” He said that officers would likely issue warnings in most cases. DeWine also told people not to call 9-1-1 to report violations of the rules.
Critical Detail #9 – Unemployment Issues
Lt. Governor Jon Husted said that there are problems with the state’s unemployment website due to an overwhelming response. He said the site should be working better. Husted declined to give Ohio’s unemployment numbers because the federal government has asked states not to.
Critical Detail # 10 – State Tax Filing Deadlines
Ohio will likely move the state tax filing deadline to match the federal deadline of July 15. The State Legislature will take that up.
Critical Detail #11 – No Comment On Abortion
The Governor refused once again to elaborate on how the ban on elective surgery affected abortions. He once again referred questions to the Ohio Attorney General.