Governor DeWine talked COVID-19 and some other unconventional topics at his March 25 update to Ohioans. Topics ranged from the frightening prediction that five million Ohioans could fall ill from the virus to the Governor issuing a social media dance challenge to craft and recipe ideas from Mrs. DeWine. Some of the information had people on social media scratching their heads. We’ve got all the important takeaways on the next 10 slides.
COVID-19 by the Numbers
Confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Ohio jumped to 704 on Wednesday. According to the Ohio Department of Health, 182 people are hospitalized with 75 admitted to ICU units. There have been 10 deaths. Governor Mike DeWine warned at the presser that the actual number of cases is probably much higher. Ohio Department of Health Director, Amy Acton said that 40 to 70% of Ohioans will likely catch the virus and that up to 5 million cases should be expected.
Governor DeWine Took The Lead
“We saw this coming and we started asking the questions,” Governor Mike DeWine said in response to a question about Ohio’s early lead in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. “How do we protect people’s lives? How do we set Ohio up for the future?”
Let’s Make a Deal
Republicans and Democrats in Congress say they have reached a deal on a Coronavirus stimulus bill that will send $250 billion in payments to families, $250 billion in unemployment benefits, and $850 billion in loans to both small businesses and large corporations.
The Ohio Senate has also passed legislation to extend absentee voting until April 28, approve the suspension of standardized testing, and other COVID-19 relief measures.
Don’t Call US
Dr. Amy Acton asked people not to call the state COVID-19 hotline with legal questions about whether businesses should be open. The hotline should be reserved for health questions. If you have health questions, call
1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
Lt. Governor Jon Husted once again said that businesses need to use their own good judgment. “Do not call police or your local health department to interpret it for you.”
Governor DeWine said the state has begun to take action against some businesses that are not essential but chose to stay open. Husted said the safety practices put in place due to COVID-19 will continue long after the shutdown is over.
HEAP COVID-19 Extension
Normally, HEAP assistance to help those in need pay utility bills ends in March. But due to the COVID-19 crisis, HEAP assistance will be extended through May 1.
Overwhelmed and Underfunded
The website to file for unemployment is working better but is still overwhelmed by the number of applicants. Lt. Governor Husted asked Ohioans for their patience and told them to keep trying.
Governor DeWine says the COVID-19 crisis points out that public funding has been seriously underfunded in Ohio and across the nation.
DeWine Talks Unconventional Dance Challenge
The Governor announced a social media dance challenge sponsored by Ohio-based company Proctor and Gamble . They enlisted teenage Tik Tok star Charli D’Amelio to create a dance to inspire kids to stay home and keep their distance from others. By participating in the #distancedance challenge, her followers can generate donations to charitable organizations to help feed those affected by COVID-19.
Fran Has Craft and Recipe Ideas
Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine made a guest appearance at Wednesday’s briefing offering family craft ideas and some of her most-requested recipes. She said her grandson had decided to cook his way through her cookbooks but had not had much success making buckeyes. “We have to think of this as a time where we have to do extra-special things with our kids,” Mrs. DeWine said.
Homemade Masks
While Mrs. DeWine and others have suggested that crafters make homemade masks to help those fighting COVID-19, some have questioned whether those masks are appropriate for hospital use. Dr. Amy Acton said, “This is an unprecedented time. When we don’t have enough PPE, we’re going to go to the old things. There’s guidelines where you can use bandanas.” Acton said the homemade masks might be more appropriate for home use but that the homemade items may be called into action if the situation gets severe.
Prince Charles Has COVID-19
Not mentioned in the wide-ranging press conference, but still worth noting is that Prince Charles has tested positive for Coronavirus. He is the second high-profile royal to be confirmed to have the disease. The 71-year-old heir to the British throne is said to be displaying mild symptoms and is self-isolating in Scotland. Back on March 10, he met with Prince Albert of Monaco. Prince Albert was diagnosed with COVID-19 last week.
