'We Want People To Stay Home,' Ohio Governor Says

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he is urging residents to "just stay home," he said on Thursday. The governor wants Ohioans to effectively "shelter in place" as the new coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to spread through the state.

There are now 119 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Thirty-three people are hospitalized because of the virus.

Here's where the cases are located, by county: Ashland (1), Belmont (2), Butler (8), Clark (1), Coshocton (2), Cuyahoga (53), Darke (1), Delaware (2), Franklin (10), Geauga (1), Hamilton (1), Huron (1), Lake (2), Lorain (6), Lucas (1), Mahoning (5), Medina (5), Miami (1), Montgomery (1), Richland (1), Stark (5), Summit (6), Trumbull (2) and Tuscarawas (1).

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DeWine said anyone who has been traveling should stay inside their home. Anyone thinking about traveling should "rethink that," the governor said.

DeWine ordered tattoo parlors, barbershops, salons and nearly 200 hundred Bureau of Motor Vehicle locations statewide closed on Wednesday. The legislature will consider installing a grace period for Ohioans who cannot renew their license, and police will be instructed to not ticket anyone with an expired license.

Companies are now being asked to test employees' temperatures before they begin work. If a company cannot secure a thermometer, employees should test themselves at home. Sick employees should be sent home to self-quarantine and companies throughout the state should expand their cleaning regiment.

Expanding Telehealth

DeWine issued an executive order on Thursday expanding the ability to access Medicaid services remotely. Patients can now contact doctors and other healthcare providers using their phone or computer.

Individuals do not need to be established patients of a doctor to access telehealth services, according to state Medicaid director Maureen Corcoran. Telehealth services will available for doctors, nurses, counselors, dietitians and other providers.

Telehealth services will also be expanded for behavioral health. An array of providers, offering things like treatment, in-home behavioral therapy for children, peer recover and more, will be available through phone calls and through computer sessions.

"This is a way for us to take pressure off hospitals and emergency rooms," Corcoran said.

What Courts Will Do

Ohio courts must be open to deal with emergency issues, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor said. Judges must cooperate among themselves to establish procedures to continue court functions. Judges must also work with local leaders to ensure essential access to courts will continue.

"Measures can be taken to ensure access to justice," O'Connor said. She said jails are being encouraged to use summons to reduce local inmate populations.

Non-essential court appearances should be granted continuances, O'Connor said. Foreclosures should be stayed for at least 60 days, O'Connor added, ensuring individuals will not be forced from their homes during the pandemic.

Inmates who are at high-risk of serious health complications if they contract COVID-19 should be considered for release, O'Connor said. Local courts should examine each case individually and weigh the inmate's health factors against their threat to society, O'Connor said.

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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Coronavirus: Will Mail Be Impacted In Ohio? — One government organization that is unlikely to be shut down during the outbreak of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, is the U.S. Postal Service.

More Businesses Ordered Closed: Ohio Coronavirus Update — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a new round of business closures and said businesses should check their employees' temperatures before they begin work.