COLUMBUS — Ohio is facing an incoming oncoming shortage of personal protective equipment, such as masks, goggles, gloves, gowns and face shields for healthcare workers and first responders. That was the message Thursday during the daily press briefing from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and state medical director, Dr. Amy Acton. Taking care […]
Covid-19
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Ohio lawmakers approve state COVID-19 relief measures
COLUMBUS — Ohio lawmakers approved on Wednesday a series of relief measures aimed helping the state cope with the COVID-19 outbreak. Among other provisions, the legislation aims to provide relief to Ohio taxpayers, continue the essential operations of state government, and assists small businesses, according to state Rep. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario). Romanchuk co-sponsored the legislation, […]
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Pep Boys worker in Ontario allegedly made false COVID-19 report
ONTARIO — Ontario police are investigating an allegation that a Pep Boys employee falsely reported they had tested positive for COVID-19, a report that triggered a deluge of local social media attention. “We are in the very early stages of the investigation,” Ontario police Lt. Tony Grimwood said Thursday morning. The claim led Pep Boys […]
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March setting new, bad records for unemployment claims due to COVID-19
COLUMBUS — It’s been a record-setting bad month for unemployment claims in Ohio, thanks to the coronavirus. For the week ending March 21, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported 187,780 initial jobless claims to U.S. Dept. of Labor. That’s up from 7,042 the previous week. As another point of reference, here are […]
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Portman, Brown part of unanimous U.S. Senate vote to OK COVID-19 relief bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ohio Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown were among those who voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve a $2 trillion fiscal measure to assist Americans and the national economy during the COVID-18 pandemic. The vote sends the the largest fiscal stimulus package in modern American history to the House, where it is […]
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New Richland Public Health commissioner faces tough task in COVID-19
MANSFIELD — Sarah Humphrey came to Richland County just in time for the Super Bowl of infectious viruses. The Richland County Public Health commissioner began work at the 555 Lexington Ave. facility on Feb. 3. The first COVID-19 casese in Ohio were announced just over a month later. In the 16 days since Gov. Mike […]
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Domestic violence shelters stay open during “Stay at Home” period
MANSFIELD — Domestic violence services are among those workplaces landing in the “essential” category, a significant declaration starting this week. On Sunday, Director of the Ohio Department of Health Amy Acton issued a 14-day “stay at home” order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Ohio residents are ordered to stay in their home or residence, […]
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Crawford County announces first case of COVID-19
CRAWFORD COUNTY — Crawford County Public Health announced the its first case of COVID-19 at a press conference on Tuesday. “COVID-19 is now considered community spread and everybody should be taking precautions,” said Kate Siefert, Crawford County’s public health commissioner. “This is certainly not a surprise as the statewide numbers have been increasing. “We are […]
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Richland County commissioners OK remote work agreements during COVID-19
MANSFIELD — Richland County commissioners Tuesday approved a remote work agreement as local officials continue to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. In the wake of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Sunday issuing a “stay at home” order for non-essential employees, commissioners drafted and approved an agreement that covers departments under their control, about […]