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'The next several weeks will be the toughest yet' | DeWine extends curfew to Jan. 2, issues 'Stay Safe Ohio' protocol

As a vaccine approaches, DeWine says the state can't afford to overwhelm its hospitals with a 'holiday tsunami.'

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has extended the state's curfew until Jan. 2, in an effort to limit unnecessary travel as COVID-19 cases continue to surge.

The curfew, which was originally set to expire Thursday, extends from 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. each night but allows for a number of exceptions, including:

  • Going to or from work
  • Leaving for an emergency or to receive medical care. 
  • Getting groceries
  • Going to the pharmacy
  • Picking up food

Drive-thrus, takeout options and delivery may continue during the curfew period, however, indoor dining is required to close at 10 p.m.

DeWine noted the curfew has created difficulty for a number of highly anticipated events. In response, ODH has issued a variance for the following four events:

  • Columbus Crew MLS championship game
  • Monday night football games with the Browns/Ravens
  • Monday night football games with the Bengals/Steelers 
  • UC conference championship football game.

Spectators at these events will be required to wear masks and socially distance.  

"Now to be really honest and frank, the biggest threat from these games is not what goes on inside the stadium, the biggest threat is from those who have the urge to gather with friends, with people from outside their own household," DeWine said.

The governor asked people to rethink attending tailgate activities, parties or other similar gatherings.

DeWine also noted that religious ceremonies, such as midnight mass, would be exempt from the extended curfew.

"These next several weeks will be the toughest yet. We’re heading into the biggest holiday season on our calendar, while riding the biggest wave of COVID-19 that we’ve had so far," DeWine said. "What each of us does in the next 21 days will set us on the path - good or bad - for the next year."

With the first doses of the vaccine expected to be shipped out to the state next week, DeWine said the state can't afford to overwhelm its hospitals with a "holiday tsunami."

KEY INDICATORS

On Thursday, the Ohio Department of Health reported:

  • 11,738 new cases of coronavirus compared to the 21-day average of 9,773
  • 111 new deaths compared to the 21-day average of 67
  • 452 new hospitalizations compared to the 21-day average of 361
  • 31 new ICU admissions compared to the 21-day average of 37

Thursday brought the fourth-highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began.

However, ODH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said a key focus for state health leaders has been ICU utilization. As more beds are being taken over by COVID-19 patients, the concern is that people with other conditions will be crowded out.

CASES PER 100,000 PEOPLE

DeWine updated his list ranking each of Ohio's 88 counties in order of those with the most cases per 100,000 people to the least. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designates anything over 100 cases per 100,000 people as indicating high incidence of spread. At this point, every Ohio county exceeds that threshold by at least three times. 

Credit: ODH

On Thursday, five northwest Ohio counties cracked the list's top 20, including:

  • Wyandot County ranked fifth, with 1,102.3 cases per 100,000 people
  • Williams County ranked 12th, with 992 cases per 100,000 people
  • Fulton County ranked 16th, with 947.2 cases per 100,000 people
  • Sandusky County ranked 17th, with 939.9 cases per 100,000 people
  • Putnam County ranked 18th, with 933.2 cases per 100,000 people

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY MAP

The state's coronavirus map was updated Thursday, with the number of counties at the highest designation - Level 4 (Purple) - lowering for the first time in a few weeks.

The current list of counties at Level 4 (Purple) include:

  • Medina 
  • Portage
  • Richland
  • Stark 
  • Summit

So far, no northwest Ohio counties have ever been elevated to purple.

STAY SAFE OHIO PROTOCOL

DeWine invited 12 Ohio doctors, including ProMedica's Dr. Brian Kaminski, to help layout the "Stay Safe Ohio" protocol, which Ohioans are urged to follow over the next 21 days. 

"I am not a medical expert, and so I am guided by the advice and expertise of the scientists -- the medical doctors and health experts who base their advice on facts and evidence," DeWine said. "I have asked for their help and guidance in developing a statewide protocol for each of us to follow in these vitally important next 21 days. These are sensible steps that we can all follow -- and still be able to live our lives."

Residents are advised to:

  • Stay at home
  • Wear your mask
  • Keep interactions short and stay apart
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Work from home
  • Celebrate safely. Celebrate small.
  • Don't eat or drink with anyone outside of your household
  • Limit travel
  • Keep weddings and funerals safe
  • Enjoy safe holiday activities

"COVID-19 is the single greatest threat to the physical wellbeing of all Ohioans, the mental health of our citizens, and our economic security. As your governor, I took an oath that, with it, comes the solemn responsibility to do everything I can to protect and preserve life," DeWine said.

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