In the latest update from the State of Ohio on the response to the coronavirus, Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton announced that there are now 26 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio. There have been seven hospitalizations and zero deaths in the state.
Governor DeWine said the increase in the number of cases was expected.
“This should not alarm people. We knew this was coming,” he said. “Many people already have this virus and are walking around in Ohio. Many people are spreading it, and many people simply do not know they have it.”
The governor spoke about protocols for daycare, which continue to be open in the state while K-12 schools are required to close at the end of the school day Monday. He said the recommendation from doctors is to take children out of daycare if families are able to do so. The Departments of Health and Jobs and Family Services have put out enhanced guidelines for daycare facilities in response to the spread of the coronavirus.
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' Lori Criss also announced that the department is filing emergency rules to expand telehealth options for people with mental health issues and substance use disorders. This eliminates some previous restrictions, including the requirement that a patient be seen for their first appointment in person.
