COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine updated the state Friday on the progress of COVID-19, noting that school closures start Monday and announcing that daycare centers will not be closed, though the medical recommendation is that parents removed their children from daycares.
The confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state rose to 13 on Friday. There are 159 persons under investigation and 50 people who have had negative tests returned.
Day care facilities will not close, DeWine said, but he said that medical professionals do recommend removing kids from day care. He also recommended reconsidering having older people care for children - because children may be carriers of COVID-19 and pose a risk for older people over 60.
"(Day cares) pose a unique risk," DeWine said. "It's hard to enforce a six-foot rule and children share things, it's the nature of kids. We are not closing at this point.
"People need to start thinking of alternatives. If you are in a position, economically, the recommendation from health professionals is that you remove your child from day care."
The increase in confirmed and suspected cases is not surprising, DeWine said.
"What we are starting to see now is more tests that are occurring. We are seeing the Cleveland Clinic for example and University of Cincinnati hospitals reporting more cases. None of this should surprise us. We believe there are many people today who are carrying this virus," he said. "You'll see these numbers, they will get so numerous in the next few days ... it's not going to be news anymore."
The 9 males and 5 females who are confirmed to be positive for COVID-19 range from 34-66 years of age with a median age of 48. The illnesses go as far back as February. There are six counties with confirmed cases:
- Belmont
- Butler
- Cuyahoga
- Stark
- Summit
- Trumbull
The Cleveland Clinic now is doing its own testing and can test up to 500 people a day. Dr. Amy Acton said you do need an order for testing anywhere. Health departments are not doing testing.
"You'll need to talk to your doctor and they'll talk through it with you," Acton said.
When it comes to schools, DeWine said that the Trump administration has given the state waivers to let the schools continue to feed the students who need it. It will be up to each school, but from talking to superintendents across the state, they want to continue to do the food program.
The waivers let the schools package up the food in the best way that serves their students.
"It's some way that you can take these meals home. I'm sure every school will have different distribution procedures, and some schools will have more difficulties than others. It's very very important as we know, because we know there are students that rely on these meals," DeWine said.
The governor also said that all schools will be responsible for making sure the students' educations continue during the mandated break.
"Our request to every school is that you do everything in your power to keep learning going .. no matter how long this (closure) is. We do expect schools to keep the learning going," DeWine said.
He acknowledged there are difficulties with online learning and said schools will improvise and do the best they can do. Besides school, he encourages children and adults to explore the outdoors, while staying six feet away from others, to encourage outdoor learning.
The governor also urged parent to make sure children are signed up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to receive books for free.
"I want to salute our teachers, who do such a great job, every day. The teachers I've talked to said they are going to embrace this. We are grateful for what you do," DeWine said.
DeWine also mentioned that orders will be issued for county jails and community based correctional facilities in the state that will follow what the state has done with our prisons, with no visitation.
Facts not fear: Putting COVID-19 into context
WTOL 11’s coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit wtol.com/coronavirus for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan specifically, learn more about the symptoms, and keep tabs on the cases around the world here. Have a question? Text it to us at 419-248-1100.
Protect yourself from coronavirus
- Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined can.
- Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use and alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
