Local – COVID 19

Jobless claims drop dramatically

In an encouraging sign that the state’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown may be resuming, the number of Ohioans filing first-time unemployment claims fell to its lowest number in six months.

Ohio vaccination effort hits hurdle with J&J pause

Governor Mike DeWine and health officials remained optimistic about the state’s vaccine distribution plan even as providers and some college campuses suspended using the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine Tuesday while federal officials investigate six reports of potentially dangerous blood clots.

DeWine orders pause on J&J vaccines

Ohio is calling for a temporary halt to dispensing the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine while the federal government investigates reports of potentially dangerous blood clots.

More vaccines headed for Franklin County

Franklin County Public Health expects to receive about twice the number of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Moderna this week as the county teeters on the brink of returning to Level 4 status on Ohio’s Health Advisory system.

State Fair closed to public due to pandemic

A year after being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio State Fair will be held in July, but officials say the focus will be on agricultural and educational competitions and will not be open to the general public.

Almost 20K fans allowed at OSU Spring Game

Nearly 20,000 Buckeye fans will be allowed to attend the annual spring football scrimmage with almost half of the available tickets set aside for workers who have been on the front lines of the battle against the coronavirus.

Big, outdoor events OK under simplified pandemic orders

State officials say Ohio’s newly simplified pandemic restrictions will continue requirements for wearing masks and social distancing in public but will ease rules for large outdoor gatherings such as graduations and festivals.