Ohio Governor Mike DeWine addressed rumors about possible FEMA COVID camps set up to quarantine Ohioans against their will. DeWine said, “I am aware there are internet rumors that incorrectly claim these orders allow children to be separated from parents without permission. This is not in our order and there is no truth to the rumor. Families will not be separated. Kids will not be away from their loved ones.” He called the theories “Crazy, ridiculous, Internet rumors.”
Funding Explained
DeWine said the federal government approved funding non-congregate shelter for people who weren’t able to quarantine at home last spring and has renewed the funding twice since them. The governor explained this housing is intended for people who can’t safely quarantine at home. He cited homeless people living in shelters or medical workers who have been exposed and are afraid to go home and carry potential COVID to their families. The housing could also be occupied by people who have COVID but don’t want to expose high-risk family members.
The Governor said so far, only a few people have used the housing. “It has been used in a handful of cases in Ohio, but not in any large-scale way. Having quarantine housing options gives people the choice of a safe, comfortable place to recover from the virus while others can stay in the original housing.”
He insisted the rumors of FEMA COVID camps in Ohio had no basis in fact. DeWine added, “The bottom line, neither FEMA nor ODH are going to set up “FEMA camps” for anyone to quarantine against their will. What we are doing is making available a safe place for people to stay when they have loved ones they are trying to protect and they have no other place to go.”
DeWine also announced additional aid to families with school-aged kids.
Food Aid For Families
Governor DeWine announced that extra food money is available for thousands of kids who qualify for free or reduced-cost meals. Many children are learning remotely and missing out on school lunches. Extra benefits will be added to the family’s EBT funds to help make up the difference.
Ohio issued $250 million in additional benefits to 850,000 students in the spring. The governor said a second round is coming later this month. Parents do not need to apply. The benefits will automatically load onto their Ohio Direction Card.
Scioto County Cases Top 400
COVID cases in Scioto County topped 400 today. The latest figures from Scioto County EMA Director Larry Mullins show a case count of 401. Local health departments reported 8 of those cases over the weekend. Forty-seven cases are active.
