BREAKING NEWS: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is ordering all restaurants/bars in the state of Ohio to close at 9 p.m. tonight. 
DeWine is clarifying that restaurants can remain open for carry-out + delivery orders. But dining rooms & bars will be closed.
"I can't tell you how sorry I am," DeWine says of those who will be affected by this order.
"I can't tell you how sorry I am," DeWine says of those who will be affected by this order.
The governor said he'd heard this morning about crowded public places (bars, etc.) throughout Ohio from Saturday night. Great worry about upcoming St. Patrick's Day festivities.
"Social distancing is vitally important."
"Social distancing is vitally important."
More DeWine: "It is the small businesses in an order like this that are hurt the most. I'm fully aware of that ... I know how tough it is in small business."
Ohio Dept. of Health Director Amy Acton now speaking. Refers to the 11.7 million Ohioans as her "patients."
36 positive cases of COVID-19 in Ohio as of today. 350 people pending.
36 positive cases of COVID-19 in Ohio as of today. 350 people pending.
If you're following from out of Ohio:
- Schools are closing at end of day Monday
- Bars/restaurants closing tonight
- Mass gatherings of 100+ ppl banned
- Primary is still on for Tuesday
- Officials say community spread evidence means estimated 117K Ohioans already have COVID-19
- Schools are closing at end of day Monday
- Bars/restaurants closing tonight
- Mass gatherings of 100+ ppl banned
- Primary is still on for Tuesday
- Officials say community spread evidence means estimated 117K Ohioans already have COVID-19
Incredible quote from Dr. Acton: "We're going to have multiple Wuhans in this country."
She's speaking about the impending "surge." Remember that she has said an estimated 100,000+ Ohioans likely *already have it*.
She's speaking about the impending "surge." Remember that she has said an estimated 100,000+ Ohioans likely *already have it*.
Here is a directive from @GovMikeDeWine:
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted is emphasizing (and encouraging) that Ohioans can still use local restaurants for carry-out/delivery services.
Husted said policy came following guidance from Ohio Restaurant Association.
Husted said policy came following guidance from Ohio Restaurant Association.
Changes coming to broaden unemployment benefits in Ohio. Husted guiding people here: unemployment.ohio.gov
Husted: Ohio gov't will seek help from Small Business Administration to provide low-interest loans to Ohio businesses and non-profits during this crisis.
Important additional context as to why keeping carry-out/delivery options available is important.
Illinois also:
INBOX: Ohio Chamber of Commerce joins the Ohio Restaurant Association in supporting this action:
