Coronavirus: Businesses should use good judgment about staying open, Husted says

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Businesses that stay open must provide a safe and clean environment for workers.

Anyone who feels like a business is not doing so should call local law enforcement officers or the local public health department.

Once Ohioans start to eventually return to work, Husted said employers will need to follow safe practices.

He also said that if employers sent a worker who was feeling sick home for self-quarantine that worker would be able to file for unemployment.

Hotel and college dorm rooms may be converted into space for hospital beds as the number of coronavirus cases continue to increase in the state, said Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton.

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Of the 564 cases reported in the state, 25.7% of the cases require hospitalization and 16% involve health care workers.

There are 25 cases stemming from long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, and 62 where patients are in the ICU.

Hospitals are at about 60% capacity since stopping elective procedures and surgeries, Acton said.

Gov. Mike DeWine discussed coronavirus’ impact on the economy and said his viewpoints align with President Trump’s when it comes to getting Americans back to work.

He stressed that he wants to get through the pandemic and working as fast as possible, but said it’s important to protect as many lives as possible.

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“We first save the economy by saving lives,” DeWine said. “When people are dying, when people don’t feel safe, that econmy is not coming back.”

The governor also discussed the state’s supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and face masks, and how delaying non-essential procedures and surgeries help keep supplies from dwindling.

On average, 36 pairs of gloves are used to care for one patient in the ICU per day.

All PPE has been put into the field, DeWine said. While there is a limited supply, state officials are looking at how to extend its use.

DeWine reminded Ohioans of the importance to flattening the curve to prevent the state’s health care system from getting overwhelmed from coronavirus.

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Social distancing and staying home are the best ways for residents to slow the spread.

DeWine shared a video of various prominent Ohioans stressing the importance of staying home to slow the spread of coronavirus.

UD basketball coach Anthony Grant, Cam Atkinson of the Columbus Blue Jackets and JT Barrett former OSU football player were among those encouraging everyone to practice social distancing during the pandemic.

There are eight deaths due to coronavirus and at least 564 cases in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

Two deaths were reported in Cuyahoga and Franklin counties and one in Erie, Gallia, Lucas and Stark counties.

Cases have been reported in 49 counties, including Butler, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan Miami, Montgomery and Warren.

>> Coronavirus: If you think you’re sick, what should you do?

There have been 145 hospitalizations.

Two deaths were reported in Cuyahoga and Franklin counties and one in Erie, Gallia, Lucas and Stark counties.

Cases have been reported in 49 counties, including Butler, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan Miami, Montgomery and Warren.

There have been 145 hospitalizations.

Acton noted that the most accurate number of cases will come from local health departments and that there is a slight lag in numbers ODH is reporting.

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