03/17/2020

Gov. DeWine Issues Several New Orders Related to Coronavirus

The announcements were made at the daily press conference

Today, Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Dr. Amy Acton announced several new measures designed to rein in the effects of COVID-19.

In Ohio there are 67 confirmed cases and 17 individuals currently being hospitalized. There are confirmed cases in 16 counties across the state: Belmont, Butler, Coshocton, Cuyahoga, Darke, Franklin, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning, Medina, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Tuscarawas.

Acton announced an order limiting elective surgeries. Exemptions for this include procedures for preservation of life, organ, or limb; procedures to stop the progression of severe symptoms; and procedures to stop the metastasis of cancer. This order also applies to animals. 

Acton ordered all polling locations to be closed today. In response, Secretary Frank LaRose issued a directive to county boards of elections that primary election day will be on June 2, 2020. From now until May 26, voters may request absentee ballots on VoteOhio.gov; they can submit absentee ballots by June 1, 2020.

DeWine also signed an executive order today authorizing the Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS) to issue temporary pandemic child care licenses to help ensure childcare is available for children of parents employed in fields providing health, safety, and other essential services. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends limiting gatherings to 50 people. Separately, the White House recommends limiting gatherings to 10 people.  While Ohio has revised the previously issued mass gatherings order (100 people) to be in compliance with the CDC’s guidelines, the state is aligned with the White House, and strongly recommends gatherings to not exceed 10 people. Additionally, fitness centers, gyms, bowling alleys, movie theaters, water parks and trampoline centers were ordered to close. 

DeWine recently issued an executive order granting the Department of Job and Family Services the ability to approve requests to suspend the normal one-week waiting period for unemployment compensation.  

Additionally, Ohioans can apply for unemployment online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It’s also possible to file by phone at (1-877-644-6562) or TTY at (888) 642-8203, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.