Coronavirus in Ohio update: 247 cases, 3 deaths confirmed

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine provided his daily coronavirus update during a news conference scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Saturday. However, DeWine briefly delayed the news conference until the US coronavirus briefing ended.

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton joined DeWine for the conference.

The Ohio Department of Health confirmed 247 coronavirus cases and three deaths. The facilities in which those deaths occurred were in Cuyahoga, Erie and Lucas counties. The Ohio Department of Health said there are also 58 hospitalizations with many in the ICU.

Acton said the virus is currently most active in the Dayton area, Cleveland and Tuscarawas County based on investigations by local health officials.

Acton also said that prescription drugs have to be limited to 14 days for preventative measures and to preserve the lives of individuals with autoimmune and arthritic diseases.

Additionally, as a result of the rapid rise in coronavirus cases, DeWine announced an order to close adult day services across the state for those with developmental disabilities, unless it is a group of 10 people or less. There are over 26,000 Ohioans who receive these services.

“We’re encouraging providers and direct support professionals to work creatively to continue to support these individuals,” DeWine said.

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic have also caused Ohioans to be economically handicapped, however, Husted provided some solutions for the dilemma.

First, he announced that the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will be making sure employee pay is covered for March, April and May for both private and public businesses. Second, he announced that there will be a grace period placed on health insurance where premium payments will be deferred for all health insurers for up to 60 calendar days.

“There are innovators out there in business that are helping develop the supply chain for medical supplies, using technology to do some things that we didn’t have the ability to do previously. And so, keep it coming. We’re in this together,” Husted said.

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director Lori Cross said behavioral health care remains open for business. Cross stressed the importance of communicating with healthcare providers, taking prescribed medications and getting refills.

If you are in crisis, you can use the crisis text-line by texting “4 Hope” at the number: 741741. If you are thinking about self-harm, please call the suicide hotline: 1-800-273-8255.