Nov 11, 2020
Recap: Gov. DeWine’s address to Ohioans
“Today, I was asked by our hospital leaders to confirm that Ohio remains in a state of emergency. It most certainly does.”
TOLEDO, Ohio — Wednesday, Governor Mike DeWine addressed Ohioans about Ohio’s stage in the fight against COVID-19. Here’s a breakdown of the governor’s remarks and what announcements he made:
New mask mandate provisions
Gov. Mike DeWine is reissuing Ohio’s mask mandate with three new provisions. The first violation of this order will bring about a written warning, and a second violation will bring about closure of the establishment for up to 24 hours.
The (possible) closure of businesses
Gov. DeWine says that if the current trend continues and cases keep increasing, the state will be forced to close restaurants, bars, and fitness centers.
“I am very well aware of the burden this will place on employees and the owners,” DeWine said. “But, these are places where it is difficult or impossible to maintain mask-wearing, which we know now is the chief way of slowing this virus.”
A return to the basics
Gov. DeWine: “We must get back to the basics: wearing a mask, maintaining at least six feet of distance from others, washing our hands frequently, not having parties and get-togethers in your house, and trying to get adequate fresh air in our homes.”
Hospitalizations are rising; employees out sick with COVID-19
DeWine added, “Today, I was asked by our hospital leaders to confirm that Ohio remains in a state of emergency. It most certainly does.”
“Our hospitals are functioning as if they were at the peak of the flu season in January.”
