Coronavirus In Ohio: May 3-May 25

WOSU is providing updates about the coronavirus and COVID-19 in Ohio. Find the most recent news and information below.

Gov. Mike DeWine's daily cororavirus press conference is not holding a press conference Friday. The next coronavirus briefing is scheduled for Tuesday at 2 p.m. Watch below, on WOSU TV or listen on 89.7 NPR News.  

Ohio by the numbers, according to the Ohio Department of Health (based on limited testing ability):

• 1,987 COVID-19-related deaths, 199 of those probable
• 32,477 cases of COVID-19, 2,172 of those probable
• 5,551 people hospitalized, 1,443 in ICU
• 330,334 total tests administered

All of WOSU’s coverage of the coronavirus outbreak can be found here.

If you think you have coronavirus, or have questions about the disease, Ohio's coronavirus call center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The hotline number is 1-833-4-ASK-ODH or 1-833-427-5634. More information is available at coronavirus.ohio.gov.

Has your job been impacted by the coronavirus? You may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Visit unemployment.ohio.gov to learn more and apply.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have provided a list of answers to frequently asked questions about the coronavirus. Here are the latest numbers on the outbreak in the United States.

Friday, May 22

1:18 p.m. A federal judge has denied Ohio's motion to stay an order that allows ballot issue organizers to collect petition signatures electronically during the pandemic. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost appealed the decision to the full Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

8:49 a.m. Ohio's unemployment rate soared to 16.8% in April, up from 5.8% in March. Ohio's rate is higher than the national unemployment rate of 14.7%.

Thursday, May 21

2:00 p.m. Gov. DeWine holds his daily press conference.

• Bowling alleys, miniature golf and batting cage facilities can reopen on May 26, Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced.
• Skills training and conditioning for high school athletes in contact sports, including football, basketball and lacrosse can start on May 26, Husted announced. School building and facilities can be used for the training, however local schools can determine if they will reopen facilties for training. Tournaments, games and scrimmages for contact sports still cannot be held.
• Catering and banquet facilities for wedding receptions can open on June 1 under similar safety guidelines as restaurants. Crowd sizes are limited to 300 people.
• DeWine announced the two new tools to help address the racial disparities when it comes to health conditions. The tools include
  • An interactive map with county-level data on race and ethnic background for COVID-19.
  • Another map showing "opportunity levels" for census level tracks that consider seven opportunity factors including: transportation, education, employment, housing, health access to resources and crime.
• A Minority Health Strike Team was formed in April to take on issues of health equity. The task force came up with several recommendations, which will be released in a preliminary report later today, include:
  • Establishing a culturally-appropriate COVID-19 exposure notification system
  • Expanding testing capacity
  • Using data to prioritize resources in the communities that have the highest need.
  • Establish a statewide culturally-sensitive outreach campaign for African Americans and other communities of color.

10:38 a.m. The Ohio Expo Commission has voted unanimously to cancel the 2020 Ohio State Fair.

10:01 a.m. Nursing homes have seen a total of 1,247 deaths from COVID-19, according to the Health Department, accounting for 79% of all Ohio's confirmed coronavirus deaths. 

8:55 a.m. The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services reports that 46,062 people filed jobless claims last week, bringing the total over the last nine weeks to 1.2 million. 

• Another 161,000 Ohioans applied for "pandemic unemployment insurance," which covers self-employed workers and independent contractors.
• Ohio has paid out $2.8 billion in unemployment benefits to over 619,000 Ohioans, and $2.1 million in PUA benefits.

6:00 a.m. Indoor dining at restaurants is allowed to resume today, following the reopening of bar and restaurant patios.

Wednesday, May 20

2:45 p.m. The Ohio Senate has rejected changes made by the Ohio House to SB1, which includes an amendment to limit the power of public health orders issued by Ohio Department of Health director Amy Acton. The bill now goes to a conference committee made up of House and Senate members.

1:22 p.m. A federal judge ruled that Ohio ballot issue organizers could collect electronic signatures during the coronavirus pandemic, and extended the deadline until July 31. Two groups had sought more time and lenience in collecting signatures for proposed amendments that would raise Ohio's minimum wage and allow same-day and automatic voting.

12:17 p.m. A Lake County judge has sided with a group of fitness centers and gyms, backed by an Ohio libertarian group, that sued the Ohio Department of Health over the continued closure of businesses. After the lawsuit was filed, Gov. Mike DeWine announced that fitness centers could reopen May 26.

10:30 a.m. Columbus Metropolitan Library is expanding curbside pickup services to four more locations beginning today: Dublin (75 N. High Street), Northern Lights (4093 Cleveland Avenue), Southeast (3980 S. Hamilton Road) and Whetstone (3909 N. High Street). No public access will be allowed into the buildings.

10:14 a.m. Gov. Mike DeWine says he is deploying the Ohio National Guard to conduct coronavirus testing at nursing homes across the state. Over 600 residents have died from COVID-19, making up 43% of the sate's coronavirus deaths.

Tuesday, May 19

5:42 p.m. A federal judge has ordered Elkton federal prison officials to start immediately releasing inmates, after criticizing "poor progress" in following social distancing requirements. Nine inmates there have died of COVID-19.

2:00 p.m. Gov. DeWine holds his daily press conference.

• DeWine said he will sign an order to lower flags to half-mast across the state for Annie Glenn, widow of astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn, who passed this morning from complications from COVID-19 at 100 years old.
• DeWine announced a revision of the Safe At Home order. It is called Urgent Health Advisory: Ohioans Protecting Ohioans. Much is staying the same including the six feet of social distancing, banning gatherings of more than 10, hand washing, and sanitation protocols. It also incorporates all the business orders made so far including that employees must wear masks.
• The new advisory recommends that those who are most vulnerable–people older than 65 or with serious medical conditions–stay at home as much as possible and use all social distancing best practices, including masks. For all other Ohioans, the state recommends but does not require that they stay at home when possible to limit spread. DeWine said young and healthy Ohioans should take protective action to protect fellow citizens.
• The travel advisory is now lifted. Travel outside of the state is permitted but not encouraged.
• DeWine says the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation will be distributing about 2 million non-medical-grade face coverings to employers. Each employer will get at least 50 face coverings.
• DeWine said that a resident of a veterans nursing home who previously tested positive for COVID-19 has passed away. Nursing homes in Sandusky and Georgetown have conducted widespread testing and only the Sandusky location has positive cases.
• Lt. Gov. Jon husted said that although the BMV will be opening on May 26, people should make use of online servives and not rush out to locations as expired licences are still valid under  the current grace period.

12:27 p.m. Annie Glenn, who advocated for people with communication disorders, died today due to complications from COVID-19. Glenn was the widow of the late U.S. Senator and astronaut John Glenn. She was living in a senior care facility near St. Paul, Minn.

7:50 a.m. Pelotonia announces that it's shifting this summer's fundraiser from a mass bicycle ride in August to a more individualized approach, starting June 2.

Monday, May 18  

2:00 p.m. Gov. DeWine holds his daily press conference.

• DeWine clarifies that the state never made any orders limiting hospital visitations. Hospitals themselves have made these rules as they see fit.
• The Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services reports that one of their patients at Twin Valley Behavioral Health Hospital in Columbus who has symptoms has tested positive for the virus. Two other patients in the same unit also tested positive. Patients in the unit are quarantined, and the infected patients are being isolated to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• DeWine responded to reports and photos of crowded bar patios over the weekend. He said protocols for reopening were clear: They require social distancing and that customers be seated when consuming food or beverages.
• DeWine said that the state is assembling local law enforcement and health officials to be part of the Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Investigative Unit. The unit will conduct compliance checks in bars and restaurants and issue administrative citations with possible revocation of liquor licenses and potentially pursue criminal actions against any bad actors.
• DeWine gave an update on Ohio’s veteran nursing homes. All residents and staff members at the Sandusky and Georgetown facilities are being tested. Twenty-three residents and three staff have tested positive at the Sandusky location. There are no cases at the Georgetown location.
• In Ohio’s prisons, a third staff member has died from COVID-19 and 62 inmates have died.
• Marion Correctional Facility was the first hot spot in the prison system, but now Belmont Correctional Institution is seeing a surge with 95 inmates currently positive for the disease.

1:34 p.m. A third state prison staffer has died of COVID-19. Bernard Atta, a 61-year-old nurse at the Correctional Reception Center in Orient, died Sunday, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

10:11 a.m. The Ohio Supreme Court has announced that recent law school graduates may temporarily practice law in Ohio under the supervision of an experienced attorney while they wait to take the bar exam.

• The decision announced Thursday dovetailed with the court's decision to postpone the exam scheduled for July until September 9-10. Qualifying graduates can apply for the supervised practice option beginning June 15, but must take the bar in September. Their supervisors must be attorneys in good standing who have practiced at least three years.

9:55 a.m. In a reversal, Kroger now says it will continue giving higher hazard pay to workers through mid-June. The Cincinnati-based grocery chain previous said it would stop bonus pay this weekend, a decision criticized by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.

• The extra pay is $400 for full-time workers and $200 for part-time workers to be paid out in two installments on May 30 and June 18. Hazard pay was a $2 per hour supplement

9:49 a.m. The Ohio prison system said it's going to resume accepting inmates from county jails to begin their prison sentences. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction suspended inmate intake as the coronavirus pandemic spread to try to lower the overall prison population.

• A spokesperson said the state will take up to 50 inmates a day at its Correctional Reception Center and hold them a minimum of 35 days.

7:45 a.m. Four inmates have filed a federal lawsuit seeking the release of more than 15,000 people in Ohio's state prison system, the Columbus Dispatch reports. About 16% of Ohio's total confirmed coronavirus cases are inmates.

7:07 a.m. The Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville has reported its first case of COVID-19 among inmates. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction says the infected inmate is currently in isolation. The Union County Health Department said it is working with the state to do the necessary contact tracing and symptom monitoring of the facility.

Saturday, May 16

3:09 p.m. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued a statement after reports of some packed bar and restaurant patios on Friday night. DeWine said establishments that are not following safety guidelines are "being irresponsible and need to understand that these guidelines will be enforced." Friday was the first day restaurants and bars were allowed to reopen for outside dining. 

Friday, May 15

12:56 p.m. This week, the Catholic Diocese of Columbus announced in a letter that weekday public masses will resume at some churches on May 25, and Sunday Mass will resume the following weekend. However, Catholics remain dispensed from their obligation to attend Sunday Mass through at least September 13, 2020.

10:35 a.m. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction says 58 inmates have died from COVID-19. As of Thursday, 4,479 inmates and 566 staff have tested positive.

8:50 a.m. Salons, barbershops, day spas can all reopen today, and restaurants can resume outdoor dining.

8;30 a.m. The Cincinnati Reds are laying off about 25% of their staff and reducing pay for others on June 1 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The club made the announcement on its website Thursday and had no further comment. Cincinnati was among a group of 16 teams that committed to paying full-time employees through May.

Thursday, May 14

4:00 p.m. Columbus Metropolitan Library announces it will begin offering curbside pickup and dropoff service at three locations beginning May 18. 

• The service will be available at the Gahanna, Hilliard and Parsons locations Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The other 20 branches will remain closed for now, although the library hopes to expand curbside pickup later this month. For now, no public access will be allowed into any of the buildings.

3:11 p.m. Ohio saw a jump in nursing home deaths in the last week, from 499 to 674. There are currently 1,873 nursing home residents and 790 staff who test positive for COVID-19.

2:00 p.m. Gov. Mike DeWine holds his daily coronavirus press conference.

• The state announced a series of reopening dates. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said with all these opening annoucements, local governments might have further guidance.
• Ohio daycares can reopen May 31, but they must have smaller class sizes.
  • Maximum nine kids per classroom, maximum six infants/toddlers per classroom. Temperatures will be taken daily, anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees or more will be sent home. Children will wash their hands when they enter the daycare, workers will wear masks, field trips will not be allowed, and playgrounds at daycares can be used with sanitizing measures in place.
  • The state will use $60 million from the federal CARES Act to assist child care centers accomidate lower classroom sizes and cleaning protocols for three months, DeWine said.
• Summer daycamps can open on May 31. Protocols and ratios will be released by the end of day on May 15.
• Bureau of Motor Vehicles locations can reopen on May 26.
• Campgrounds can reopen on May 21. They will have to meet certain requirements including cleaning commonly used areas.
• Gyms and fitness centers can reopen on May 26. Husted emphasized the importance for gyms to keep their surfaces and equipment clean.
• Sports leagues for non-contact or limited-contact sports, like golf, tennis, softball, baseball and paddle sports, can be reestablished on May 26.
• Working groups are plotting out the reestablishment of contact sport leagues like soccer, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, field hockey and others, Husted said. Sports like gymnastics and volleyball present their own “special challenges.”
• Pools, both public and clubs, regulated by local health departments, can open on May 26. The opening does not apply to water parks and amusement parks, which are being developed by travel and tourism work groups.
• Horse racing without spectators can resume on May 26. Casinos and racings cannot reopen.

1:41 p.m. As of Wednesday, 53 state prison inmates have died from COVID-19, and 4,449 inmates have tested positive. According to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, 556 staff have also tested positive.

11:51 a.m. The University of Akron will eliminate men's golf, women's tennis and men's cross country programs due to budget problems. The cuts will save the school an estimated $4.4 million.

11:18 a.m. Ohio University announces that it's planning to reopen campus for the fall semester.

10:04 a.m. The Ohio Dept. Of Jobs and Family Services reports that 51,125 people filed unemployment claims in the week ending on May 9. That brings the total for the last eight weeks to 1,169,964, which is more than the previous three years.

Wednesday, May 13

2:00 p.m. There is no press conference from Gov. Mike DeWine today.

1:00 p.m. The Ohio Air National Guard conducted a series of flybys over Columbus-area hospitals, as a show of thanks for health care workers.

10:40 a.m. The Federal Bureau of Prisons plans to ramp up coronavirus testing for inmates and staff at the Elkton Correctional Institution in Columbiana County. Sen. Rob Portman, who sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr last month, says the facility will begin testing 150 inmates and staff a day, up from 100 a week.

10:36 a.m. Cuyahoga County Public Library plans to reopen half of its branches next month with strict social distancing guidelines and disinfecting. The 13 locations won't allow people inside, but book pickups and drop-offs will be permitted. The library aims to reopen all locations by September.

9:12 a.m. Self-employed workers, independent contractors and other 1099 workers can now receive unemployment benefits through the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. Those applications can be filled out here.

Tuesday, May 12

2:00 p.m. Gov. Mike DeWine holds his daily coronavirus press conference.

1:37 p.m. Almost three dozen gyms across Ohio, represented by the libertarian 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, are suing the Ohio Department of Health over the continued closure of fitness centers. The federal lawsuit alleges the state's "Stay Safe Ohio" order is unconstitutionally vague and violates operators' right to equal protection.

11:24 a.m. At least 46 Ohio inmates have died from COVID-19 in the state prison system, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. As of Monday, 4,434 inmates and 522 staff have tested positive for the coronavirus.

9:53 a.m. Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said he hopes to allow pools and splash pads to reopen on July 1. Horrigan’s announcement was in coordination with plans released by other Ohio cities, but Horrigan said Dayton and Toledo are postponing some of their reopening dates due to a spike in coronavirus cases.

9:03 a.m. Retail businesses are allowed to fully reopen Tuesday. Employees will be required to wear masks, and businesses may require customers to wear masks as well.

Monday, May 11

2:00 p.m. Gov. Mike DeWine holds his daily coronavirus press conference.

1:08 p.m. Records show at least 41 Ohio prison inmates have died of COVID-19, 25 of them housed in Pickaway Correctional Institution in Central Ohio.

9:19 a.m. Protests against Ohio's stay-at-home order were staged across Ohio over the weekend. Nearly 3,000 people attended rallies in more than 30 counties as part of movement called "Rally Around Ohio."

5:28 a.m. Ohio State University has extended its university state of emergency through Saturday, May 16, and plans to reevaluate its status weekly.

Friday, May 8

5 p.m. Honda will gradually reopen its factories in the U.S. and Canada starting on Monday, May 11. The automaker closed its plants on March 23.

1:40 p.m. There is no press conference scheduled for today. Gov. DeWine's regular press conferencess will resume Monday.

9:50 a.m. The annual Doo Dah Parade in Columbus is postponed until Saturday, Sept. 19.

Thursday, May 7

5:10 p.m. Red, White & Boom has canceled its traditional Independence Day fireworks celebration in downtown Columbus, and will instead air the festivities as a four-night televised special July 1-4.

2:00 p.m. Gov. DeWine holds his daily coronavirus press conference. 

9:51 a.m. Almost 500 residents in Ohio nursing homes have died from COVID-19, according to the latest data. Nearly 2,400 staff and patients have tested positive in the last week, which is up by more than 200 from the week before.

9:34 a.m. The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services reports 61,083 Ohioans filed jobless claims last week. Over the last seven weeks, a total of 1,118,569 people have filed for unemployment benefits, more than the past three years combined.

8:15 a.m. The Ohio House yesterday passed legislation that would lower penalties for violating state orders associated with the pandemic. The bill would drop the fourth-degree misdemeanor, which carries up to 30 days of jail time and a $250 fine, to a minor misdemeanor with a $150 fine. 

Wednesday, May 6

5:00 p.m. Ohio's Department of Rehabilitation and Correction reports that 42 inmates have died of COVID-19 in the state prison system. There are now 4,319 inmates and 483 staff who tested positive.

4:15 p.m. Gov. Mike DeWine issued a statement criticizing the House's bill limiting public health orders. "Creating more uncertainty regarding public health and employee safety is the last thing we need as we work to restore consumer confidence in Ohio's economy," he wrote.

3:30 p.m. The Ohio House passed a bill, 58-37, that would limit the powers of Ohio Department of Health director Amy Acton.

2:00 p.m. There is no press conference scheduled for today.

10:26 a.m. Ohio Budget Director Kimberly Murnieks has released details of the $775 million budget reduction announced by Gov. Mike DeWine yesterday. According to the Office of Budget and Management, the state's April 2020 revenue data came out $886.5 million (35.3%) below estimates.

9:09 a.m. The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio is asking a federal judge to release 20 immigrant detainees in custody in the Morrow County Jail, where dozens of inmates have tested posted for COVID-19.

Tuesday, May 5

4:07 p.m. Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center reports 27 staffers and 14 juveniles have tested positive for COVID-19. 

2:00 p.m. Gov. DeWine holds his daily coronavirus press conference. 

9:44 a.m. The University of Akron plans to cut six of its 11 colleges to offset as much as a $70 million budget deficit, president Gary Miller announced. Cost-saving measures already announced include a 20% reduction to the athletics budget and of all non-academic administrative divisions. Senior administration officials hired before April 1, including Miller, will take 10% pay cuts.
Monday, May 4

5:47 p.m. Ohio’s state prison system reports 39 inmates have died of COVID-19. After mass testing, 4,292 inmates and 459 staff members have tested positive, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

5:35 p.m. GE Aviation, headquartered in Evendale, said Monday it will cut its global workforce by as much as 25%, or about 13,000 jobs.

2:00 p.m. Gov. DeWine holds his daily coronavirus press conference. 

1:35 p.m. Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, announces plans to resume in-person classes for the Fall 2020 semester.

11:30 a.m. Large Ohio grocery stores are claimping down on meat purchases due to supply chains affected by the pandemic. Giant Eagle is limiting shoppers to two items of ground beef and on-sale items. Kroger is also limiting purchases on beef, chicken and pork. Walmart said it’s coming up with a plan.

7:11 a.m. The Ohio House returns to work today and Rep. John Becker (R-Union Township near Cincinnati) is introducing a bill to limit Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton's power through public health orders.

7:07 a.m. The opening of Ohio's economy continues today with manufacturers and general offices getting the go-ahead to resume operations with safety protocalls in place.

Sunday, May 3

5:00 p.m. Nearly 40 medical workers staged a silent demonstration Sunday on the Ohio Statehouse lawn to show their support for the state's health department director, Dr. Amy Acton.

• Ohio daycares can reopen in May 31, but they must have smaller class sizes including:
  • Maximum nine kids per classroom.
  • Maximum six infants/toddlers per classroom
  • Temperatures will be taken daily
  • Workers will wear masks
  • Ohio daycares will reopen in May 31. Child care proviers must have:
  •  
    • Smaller class sizes
    • Nine inmates at the facility have died from COVID-19, the most of any federal prison, and more than 100 inmates and staff have tested positive. Last month, a federal judge ordered Elkton to transfer or release more than 800 at-risk inmates.
    • The Akron-Summit County Library will keep all locations closed until June and said late fees will be waived.
    • DeWine said the Department of Jobs and Family Services received notice that the Pandemic EBT plan was approved by the USDA. This will allow SNAP food benefits for 850,000 students across Ohio. Checks of about $300 will be mailed directly to students, and families don’t need to apply to be eligible. 
    • Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said massage services and tattoos and piercing businesses will be permitted to reopen with proper safety protocols on May 15th.
    • Health Department director Amy Acton said long-term care residents make up 16% of the state’s total COVID-19 cases, and 22% of deaths.
    • Maureen Corcoran, Ohio Medicaid director, outlined the many ways the state has worked to make sure staff and residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilites are getting the care and supplies they need. This includes more aggressive testing with the Post-Acute Regional Rapid Testing program that puts a team into a setting quickly to test people and identify needs.
    • Ursel McElroy, Ohio Department of Aging Director, announced the Staying Connected program that offers a free, daily check-in call for older adults over 60. This program will automatically contact participants each day to confirm they are well and connect them to support, if needed.
    • The 1851 Center previously sued the state on behalf of Gilded Social, a Columbus bridal shop, but a federal judge rejected their request to roll back parts of Ohio's stay-at-home order.
    • DeWine said there is no announcement for child care yet, something that was expected to come today. He says the administration is still working on a date and protocols for reopening daycares.
    • DeWine announces a state liquor rebate program of up to $500 for restaurants and bars trying to restock their supply for when they reopen. The rebate is for eligible liquor permit holders who purchase through Ohio's liquor-contracted agencies.
    • In January, the state had five cases in five different counties, Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton said. Acton did not have information on which counties were home to these cases. The state is using antibody testing to find out more about these cases. The state’s first cases were originally confirmed on March 9.
    • Acton says the state will start performing voluntary antibody testing on adults in the next week. The state will contact 1,200 households representing various demographics. Antibody tests can show if someone already had COVID-19.
    • Among the prisoners who died was Carlos Ridley, serving a life sentence for a 1981 triple slaying in Lima. Ridley hoped to prove his innocence through DNA testing of crime scene evidence. But an appeals court denied his latest question May 4, and he died after being rushed to the hospital the next day.
    • Across the state, more than 4,300 and nearly 500 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.
    • Honda will stagger the start-up of each plant, according to a press release, and will use the first day at each facilty to train front-line leaders on new procedures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
    • DeWine said hair salons, barber shops, and similar personal service businesses will reopen May 15. Stylists, barbers and other professionals will wear masks, customers are encouraged–and may be required–to wear masks, and waiting areas should be avoided.
    • Bars and restaurants can reopen with outside service on May 15 and inside dinning on May 21. Some examples of guidelines include: restrictions on restaurant floorplans to ensure physical distancing, customers may be asked to wait for tables outside or in cars, front-of-house employees will wear masks but some back-of-house staff (i.e. cooks) may not.
    • DeWine said that even with things opening up, the risk is still there, and he urged caution and use of best safety practices to protect members of community who are most at risk.
    • Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said that when the restaurants open back up on May 21, the state's economy will be 92.5% open.

    • If we relax and take things for granted, things will not go the way we want them to go. We don't want to see a spike and be forced to decide if we pull back again on the economy. What we all do today will determine where this state goes. This is all in our hands.

      — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) May 7, 2020

    • SB 1 includes a provision that limits new Department of Healh orders to just 14 days. Any extensions beyond that time would require approval of three out of five members of each chamber of a panel of lawmakers.
    • On the local level, Ohio State University will see $15 million in state budget cuts and Columbus State Community College will get a $2.65 million reduction. Columbus City Schools, the largest district in the state, will lose $10 million.
    • Following ACLU legal failings, three inmates at the Butler and Morrow County Jails have been released from ICE custody, as well as others detainees in Geauga and Seneca counties. 
    • DeWine said that because of a large budget shortfall, the state will need to make $775 million of budget cuts over the next two months.
    • The cuts will include $210 million from Medicaid, $300 million from K12 foundation payment reduction, $55 million from other education budget line items, $110 million from higher education and $100 million from other state agencies.
    • DeWine said he will not draw from the state's “Rainy Day Fund” this fiscal year because that money will be needed in the next fical year, which starts July 1.
    • All state agencies will continue to operate under a hiring freeze and a freeze on pay increases and promotions.
    • Dr. Amy Acton said that the COVID CareLine is availble for those in mental distress: 1-800-720-9616
    • DeWine said that he believes protesters have the right to criticize him but that harrasing the news media or members of his cabinet and their families is unacceptable. This comes days after a demonstrator was recorded harassing a journalist at the Statehouse and another demonstration at Dr. Amy Acton’s private residence.
    • DeWine said that as testing capacity increases the immediate focus is healthcare workers and those in the hospital. The next priority will be on nursing homes and other congregate living settings such as developmental centers, treatment facilities, homeless and domestic violence shelters, youth detention centers, and other paces where outbreaks can occur.
    • Dr. Acton said that at some point in the future, there will be tests for those with mild symptoms–and even asymptomatic people–but the state does not have the testing capacity for that yet.
    • Many of the nation's largest meat processors have shut down because of coronavirus concerns, including Smithfield Farms, which had at least 300 employees test positive for the virus.
    • The demonstration was organized by Physicians Action Network after protestors showed up at Acton's home near Columbus on Saturday. Late last week, Gov. Mike DeWine and Dr. Acton extended Ohio’s stay-at-home order through the end of the month.

Read Previous Updates From April 13-May 2