Friday Coronavirus Updates: Ohio confirms first death; Senior centers ordered to close
COLUMBUS, Ohio- Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Action provided several updates on Friday- impacting thousands across the State regarding the COVID-19 virus.
Here are some of the new updates that might impact you:
As of Monday, March 23, all senior citizen centers are to close at the end of business.
As of Monday, March 23, all senior day care centers are to close at the end of business.
Employers can defer their premium payments for health insurance for up to 2 months.
There are now 169 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio; 39 people remain hospitalized.
Governor DeWine said he is closing the centers to help slow the spread of the virus. The governor is also working on new programs to assist the seniors with food and getting from place to place.
The governor began the press conference stating, “We have now entered a new phase of our battle with coronavirus. This phase is not unexpected but it tragic, nonetheless.”
Ohio has confirmed its first COVID-19 related death in Lucas County.
Former Lucas County Board of Elections member, Mark Wagoner Sr. is Ohio’s first COVID-19 related death. He had previously worked alongside both DeWine and Husted.
Mark Jr. posted this on Facebook yesterday, sharing his fathers’ story: “We’re heartbroken but take comfort in the 76 years he had. What a life. Our Dad gave his all for his family, his community, his clients, and his colleagues.”
As of Friday, Dr. Amy Action provided new statistics and said the cases range from 1 year old to 91 years old.
Along with new executive orders, in the Friday press conference, the governor referred to one issue he brought up on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
While the governor has not decided to close remaining non-essential businesses in Ohio, he issued a stark warning for those failing to follow his executive order issued the Sunday afternoon press conference.
“I will err on the side of protecting people. The bad behavior, the reckless behavior. It must stop. Protecting the sanctity of life is the most important function I have,” said DeWine.
During the Sunday press conference, the governor issued all bars and restaurants to close- limiting them to carry-out only.
Today, the governor stated in his press conference he has received numerous complaints where restaurants are still allowing people to eat inside.
The governor is still asking these businesses to follow the best practices. However, if they fail to do so, he will consider a mandate and close the rest of the non-essential businesses if they continue the “reckless behavior.”
There are now cases in 28 counties in the state of Ohio, however, the estimate is much higher.
