04/30/2021

DeWine Revises Orders for Fully Vaccinated Ohioans

Changes announced this week impact how we can interact

This week, Governor Mike DeWine announced that any Ohioan who has been fully vaccinated will no longer have to quarantine if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19. This health order applies to all adults, except those who are in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or other congregate care settings. Nursing homes and long-term care facilities, including staff and residents, should continue to quarantine following CDC guidance.

“The power of the vaccine allows us to do this,” DeWine said. “Fully vaccinated Ohioans, including high school students, will be able to participate in sports and other activities, even if they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.”

An individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines or two weeks after the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

As of Tuesday, 4.6 million Ohioans have received their first vaccine, and 3.6 million are fully vaccinated.

To read the most recent health orders, click here and here.

The vaccine is now more widely available, and there is no shortage. Ohioans can visit this website to look for open appointments or call 833-4-ASK-ODH to book an appointment over the phone.

COVID-19 Cases Per 100,000 Drop in Past Week

Ohio's statewide case incidence number dropped significantly this week to 155.6 cases per 100,000 people over a two-week period. That compares to 185.8 cases per 100,000 people last week and 200 cases per 100,000 a week ago. Six weeks ago, the rate was 144 cases per 100,000 people.

This week’s Ohio Public Health Advisory System map also shows positive changes. Four counties now are at Level 1 (Yellow) compared to two last week. There are now 39 counties at Level 2 (Orange) compared to 33 last week. The remaining 45 counties are at Level 3 (Red) after Franklin County dropped from Level 4 (Purple).

To review the Ohio Public Health Advisory System information, click here.

Ohio Business Centers Can Help with SBA Applications

Remember that Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and Ohio Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBAC) across the state are available to help businesses with the federal application process, including SAM.gov registration.

To find a local SBDC, click here. To find a local MBAC, click here.

Financial Planning Course Available to Ohio Businesses

Beginning June 3, Ohio small business owners may participate in a six-session virtual course in financial management that will give participants the tools and confidence needed to manage their businesses by the numbers. The program is called Profit Mastery; it provides independent business owners financial perspective and tools to take advantage of opportunities and deal with challenges.

Participants will attend six virtual sessions and will have access to the profit mastery online video curriculum. Any business that has been open at least one year and is interested in exploring new opportunities to increase profitability and manage cash flow during the coronavirus pandemic should attend.

The cost for the course normally is $895, but the Ohio Small Business Development Centers have worked with Profit Mastery so that 400 Ohio businesses will be able to participate at no cost. For more information, contact the Ohio SBDC at sbdcreports@development.ohio.gov.

To register, click here. The deadline to apply is May 26.