Governor Mike DeWine confirms 88 people in Ohio have COVID-19
“Do not be afraid if you can’t get a test,” said Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton.
After another daily press conference held, Governor DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton made it clear that Ohio has a limited number of COVID-19 tests.
Just before the press conference, the governors office released that as of March 18th, 2020, 88 Ohioan’s have tested positive for the Coronavirus.
DeWine started the conference off with First Lady Fran DeWine, where she shared tips for families to come together while they are quarantined.
“I encourage families to read with their kids during this time when we’re all together at home,” said First Lady DeWine.
Governor DeWine then took the stage again to share the reality of testing of COVID-19 in Ohio, as well as more business and government closures.
Governor DeWine and Dr. Acton made it clear that tests were limited in Ohio and across the country.
In result to the limited number of tests, Dr. Acton and Governor DeWine said that they will be prioritizing older adults, those with compromised immune systems and individuals on the frontlines of the pandemic, like health care workers and first responders.
“Do not be afraid if you can not get a test. I want you to treat this like a very bad flu,” said Dr. Acton.
DeWine also announced the closure of 181 BMV locations, with only 5 locations remaining open. In addition, all barbershops, beauty salons, tattoo parlors, hair and nail salons were ordered to be closed as well.
For the remainder businesses open, Dewine has asked each one to take the temperature of every employee everyday before they come into work.
“We’re asking them to be very, very aggressive in regard to cleaning surfaces, in regard to having the availability of soap, water, the availability of having hand sanitizer,” said Governor DeWine.
