COLUMBUS, Ohio – Gov. Mike DeWine is slated to announce what he calls the “next phase” of the Ohio coronavirus reopening process during his Thursday briefing at 2 pm, including the issuance of new state guidelines for schools.
The governor has also promised to reveal what restrictions will be included in a new health order, as well as details on the seven metrics that state officials are using to determine the state’s coronavirus response, including where to implement the COVID-19 tests.
Coronavirus cases are on the rise again in Ohio. On Wednesday, more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state, representing the largest single-day increase in cases since April. Urban areas in Ohio are driving recent increases, particularly in southwest Ohio.
DeWine has said that his health guidelines for Ohio’s more than 600 school districts to follow when it reopens in the fall will not be mandatory. Overall, the state has let each school district decide on its own plan.
After imposing a “stay home” order and closing “nonessential” deals in mid-March, the DeWine administration has been gradually tightening the restrictions over the past month.
Mass gatherings of more than 10 people are still prohibited, although there are a number of exceptions (such as weddings, funerals, protests, and religious services). The DeWine administration has also established mandatory guidelines for a variety of economic sectors to follow, including bars and restaurants, camps, beauty salons, and casinos.
DeWine’s announcement comes as multiple Ohio cities are imposing or considering rules that require each person in public to wear a mask. The governor said in a statement on Wednesday that such ordinances are “an appropriate and welcome response,” although to date he has not disclosed any statewide rules for wearing masks.
An announcement that DeWine will not make on Thursday is to order the bars to close again. It’s a step that several other states have recently taken as coronavirus cases increase, but DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney said Wednesday that closing the bars is not on the agenda.
Check out the governor’s report here:
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