Elective surgery restrictions eased

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is preparing to ease up on the prohibition of elective surgeries during the coronavirus pandemic.

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DeWine said Wednesday that doctors can now review postponed procedures and surgeries with patients in terms of their current health situation and quality of life.

The governor says doctors and patients can make a joint decision about whether to proceed.

DeWine said patients must be informed of the risk of contracting COVID-19 and must also be told of the impact of contracting the illness during the post-operative recovery process.

Ohio has more than 14,000 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, including 610 deaths.

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Under its new Essential Service launches on April 27. COTA service will temporarily operate from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week.

New service addresses essential travel needs of customers while reducing demands on employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, transit authority officials announced.

Customers are still required to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Frequency will be reduced on some lines but maintained on those experiencing higher ridership. CBUS, AirConnect and NightOwl will be temporarily suspended.