COLUMBUS – “We save our economy by first saving lives.”
That was the message Gov. Mike DeWine delivered during his daily Statehouse news briefing on the coronavirus in Ohio.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 24, 2020
As the state’s businesses close and workers stay home, DeWine said that those measures will slow the spread of the disease, which has killed eight Ohioans, and preserve the resources of the state’s health care system.
If Ohio can handle a surge in COVID-19 cases, DeWine says its economy will begin to rebound that much more quickly.
“We have to do everything we can so that, when this wave comes — and we know it’s coming –it’s not as big as it would have been and that we’re prepared for it,” DeWine said.
The state’s health director says idled dorms and hotels could be used as overflow areas if hospital capacity is exceeded.
The Ohio Department of Health call center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to answer questions regarding COVID-19 at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
Click here for the latest information:
Ohio Department of Health coronavirus website
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Grocery stores, gas stations, banks and other essential businesses remain open but thousands of other businesses have been shut down.
The state on Tuesday reported 564 cases of the coronavirus in 49 counties, a 28 percent increase over the day before. Seventy-five cases were reported in Franklin County, including 51 in Columbus. Delaware County reported 11 cases while Fairfield County reported its first two cases. Licking and Union counties reported their second cases and Madison County reported one.
Two deaths each were reported in Franklin and Cuyahoga counties and one each in Erie, Gallia, Lucas and Stark counties.
“Coping With Coronavirus”: Advice for parents, links to more information
State parks have shuttered cabins, golf courses and marinas as Ohio enters its first full day of a statewide “stay at home” order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Grocery stores, gas stations and other essential businesses remain open.
State lawmakers returned to Columbus with plans to address the disrupted school year and the postponed primary election.
DeWine says much of what the legislature will address involves flexibility in meeting the daily challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
DeWine also says mandatory testing in schools shouldn’t happen this year. House and Senate leaders agree.
The GOP-controlled House and Senate are both scheduled to meet Wednesday and Thursday.
Lawmakers would have to suspend rules to pass legislation on an emergency basis without the normal schedule of committee hearings.