COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine today took a number of actions in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
DeWine signed Executive Order 2020-01D, declaring a state of emergency in Ohio to protect the well-being of Ohioans from the dangerous effects of COVID-19. The state of emergency allows state departments and agencies to better coordinate in their response.
In addition, DeWine partially activated the state Emergency Operations Center at 1 p.m. today.
Joined by Ohio Department of Health Amy Acton M.D., MPH, DeWine also announced that three Ohioans tested positive for COVID-19. These are the first cases in Ohio. The three individuals live in Cuyahoga County and have had known contact with those with confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19. Each of the individuals is in their 50s.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown also spoke with Acton and DeWine on Monday regarding the state’s response to the coronavirus.
“My office will continue to work closely with the governor and his team as we all continue to monitor the situation,” Brown said. “We continue to encourage Ohioans, as the governor has, to focus on science, not fear-mongering and to reach out to their local public health department with any questions or concerns.”
Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) also offered his support.
“Jane and I hope all three Ohioans with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, make full and complete recoveries soon,” Portman said. “My staff and I have been in constant contact with the governor’s office and state and local health officials and we will continue to monitor the situation.
“Last week, the president signed into law an $8.3 billion funding package that I was proud to support to ensure that our federal, state, and local agencies have the funds to help prevent, prepare, and mitigate the spread of the virus. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure Congress and the administration are doing everything possible to provide Ohio the resources it needs to keep our families safe.”
Last week, Congress passed a $8.3 billion Supplemental Coronavirus Spending bill that includes at least $15.6 million in immediate funding to help Ohio prepare for the coronavirus.
Both senators worked to ensure Ohio and local communities around the state have the funding they need to prevent and manage any potential cases of the coronavirus. The final package includes $8.3 billion in total funding, with $7.8 billion for immediate help to combat the coronavirus, and an additional $500 million authorization to enhance telehealth services.
The state of Ohio will receive $15.6 million immediately to help the state and local public health departments prepare for the coronavirus, and Ohio will be able to apply for more funding if the state needs additional support in the event of an outbreak. In addition, the Supplemental Coronavirus Spending bill includes millions for Community Health Centers and a significant investment in medical supplies and research and development for a vaccine.
For the latest information on COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov. In addition, those with questions about COVID-19 can call the Ohio Department of Health hotline at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
