The state is working on building up medical capacity for when the coronavirus is expected to hit its peak, now predicted for mid-May. Ohio's Department of Health has said there could be up to 10,000 cases per day at that point.
While this includes creating more spaces for patients, it also means stocking up on gear known as personal protective equipment.
Gov. Mike DeWine is putting out a call to anyone in Ohio that has the ability to manufacture medical gear or has a supply on hand. During a briefing this weekend, DeWine held up a poster with the gear Ohio needs, calling it the state's "10 most wanted."
"These are the items that we need. These are the items that we are asking you to help us with," DeWine says.
The list of personal protection equipment needed includes:
- Surgical gowns
- Face/surgical masks
- Gloves
- N-95 particulate respirators
- Isolation gowns
- Face shields
- Tyvek coveralls
- Thermometers
- Foot coverings
- Ventilator tubing
"It takes a total of 66 pieces for one patient for one day, and so we must conserve, conserve, conserve this life saving gear," DeWine says.
The call for equipment comes as other states report health care workers suffering from trauma as they treat coronavirus. DeWine says these are people on the front lines of the virus, and having the right gear can help with their mental health.
"That gives them some assurance. When they don't have it has to cause great frustration and great, great concern," DeWine said.
He says the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is working on ways to help as well.
