COLUMBUS, Ohio — “We’re in a crisis situation now. We’re moving quickly. Taking decisive action now will greatly slow down this disease, and stop this trajectory,” said Dr. Amy Acton, director, Ohio Department of Health.”
On Thursday, Dr. Amy Acton and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a new executive order, with the hope of slowing this inevitable wave of coronavirus barreling toward Ohio.
- The governor and DOH director are issuing a new executive order to stop the potential catastrophic effects of the virus
- No mass gatherings of over 100 people, no more nursing home visits and schools will not be in session
- The number of cases is set to double every six days
“Mass gatherings are prohibited in the state of Ohio, the order reads: mass gatherings are defined as any event or convening that brings together 100 or more people in a single room or single space at the same time,” said DeWine.
That means parades, festivals, concerts, and sporting events. There are, however, exceptions to the rule.
“For the purpose of clarity, a mass gathering does not include normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls, or other places where 100 or more people may be in transit. It also does not include typical office environments, schools, factories, restaurants, or retail or grocery stores, where large numbers of people are present,” said DeWine.
Schools will also be disrupted.
“So, we are announcing today that children of the state will have an extended spring break. The spring break will be a duration for three weeks and we will review it at the end of that,” DeWine said.
From the young to the elderly —the governor wants to cover all of his bases.
On Wednesday, he announced limited visitation to nursing homes.
On Thursday he announced this:
"The reaction from the nursing homes has been that we need more restrictions. So, we will be, within the next several days, issuing regulations that will stop visiting at our nursing homes.”
While these precautions may seem drastic, the governor and Acton say the actions we take now will go a long way once we’re in the thick of this outbreak— which is expected to peak in late April.
“This ripple effect I’m seeing spread throughout Ohio it is in counties far and wide, and we do most definitely have community spread,” said Acton.
Acton went on to say, “If you do get infected but are relatively healthy, stay home. Hospital beds and respirators are limited and should be reserved for those who are most sick.”
According to Acton, because this virus is so easily transmitted, the number of cases is set to double every six days.
