Ohio Confirms 1st Coronavirus Death

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio has had its first death because of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, the Ohio Department of Health confirmed on Friday. Gov. Mike DeWine also announced the closure of senior centers statewide, senior daycare centers and said a closure of non-essential businesses could be forthcoming.

Mark Wagoner, Sr., a 76-year-old attorney in Lucas County, died on Wednesday. Wagoner's family has chosen to publicly identify their father to encourage Ohioans to take more safety precautions. DeWine said he knew Wagoner personally and he expressed his sympathies to the Wagoner family.

Dr. Amy Acton, director of the state health department, said other possible deaths are being investigated. Right now, the youngest person infected with the virus is 1.

"For a while it is going to seem like we are living in the “valley of the shadow.” But we will get through this. The sun will come out and shine upon our state. Our beautiful Ohio," DeWine said.

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There are now 169 confirmed cases of the virus statewide and 39 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 symptoms.

DeWine said he has received numerous reports of companies ignoring health and safety protocols and "recklessly" putting employees' lives in danger. He said if this behavior is not curtailed, he could order all non-essential businesses closed.

"Let me make it clear: I will err on the side of protecting people. The bad behavior, the reckless behavior, must stop. The protection of life is the most important obligation that I have," DeWine said.

The governor urged residents to "just stay home" until the crisis passes. The governor wants Ohioans to effectively "shelter in place" as the new coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to spread through the state.

On Thursday, officials announced an expansion of telehealth options for Medicaid patients in Ohio and changes to court protocol.

Insurance

Companies will be given a 60-day grace period on paying insurance premiums for employees.Those payments can be deferred, officials said.

State officials are asking the federal government to unlock disaster relief unemployment funds to aid Ohioans. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said the government needs to unlock those funds immediately because it is "critically important."

Safety Tips

Ohioans are being urged to practice social distancing — limiting their exposure to other people — until the outbreak slows. Health officials said Ohioans should follow many of the same health and safety tips they practice during flu season to help halt the spread of the new coronavirus:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

The Ohio Department of Health's COVID-19 call center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at 833-4-ASK-ODH (833-427-5634). Workers will answer any questions about the virus and the state's response.

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