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05/18/2020

COVID-19 Update: Safety Checks, Twin Valley Update, Veterans Home Update

May 18, 2020

Today, Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Dr. Acton held their daily press briefing to inform the media and public about current issues related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.  

Currently, in Ohio, there are 26,646 confirmed cases and 1,808 probable cases for a total of 28,454 total COVID-19 cases. Additionally, there have been 4,998 hospitalizations and 1,504 confirmed deaths with 153 probable deaths. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) also noted there have been 1,328 ICU admissions. 

DeWine also announced that he is assembling an enforcement team to ensure that bars and restaurants are operating safely under the Responsible RestartOhio plan. The enforcement team will operate as part of the Ohio Department of Safety's Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) and will conduct safety compliance checks in crowded bars and restaurants.  Businesses found violating the Stay Safe Ohio order or the Dine Safe Ohio order will receive administrative citations that could result in the revocation of liquor licenses.  The OIU team will also work with municipal prosecutors to take potential criminal actions against business owners who do not follow the order, which includes the requirement that patrons remain seated while eating/drinking and that parties stay six feet apart. 

Three patients at Twin Valley Behavioral Health Hospital in Columbus have tested positive for COVID-19. In response, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is working with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center to test all patients in the 25-person unit. 

DeWine also announced he ordered mass testing to take place at Ohio's two state nursing home facilities for veterans. The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (OVS) operates nursing homes in Sandusky and Georgetown. Last week, several residents at the Sandusky facility were confirmed positive for COVID-19 which led to the facility-wide testing. As of today, 24 nursing home residents and three staff members in the Sandusky home have tested positive. An additional staff member tested positive in mid-April. The Georgetown location has had zero positive test results. A total of 508 staff and residents have tested negative and the remaining test results are pending.  

Additionally, there are now printable posters and forms for employers/businesses to download and use HERE.

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