Gov. DeWine is ready to address the state about a new record high number of COVID-19 cases that have been reported in the past 24 hours. Thursday, October 29, 2020.
3590 new cases - about 700 more than previous high a few days ago. Gov. DeWine says the virus is raging throughout the whole state of Ohio. No place to high.
Even though none are purple yet, DeWine says health officials are still seeing some disturbing trends. Cases continue to go up.
The numbers are not good, folks. 
"We have to come together to fight this invader." Gov DeWine on coronavirus. Reiterates for the umpteenth time the need to wear masks and social distance.
Gov DeWine says COVID is a crisis, like tornadoes and other events. He says Ohioans need to come together to fight COVID-19, just like they would if their community were hit by a different kind of disaster.
Gov DeWine is asking community leaders to come together to develop a "covid defense team" to assess the situation, inventory assets of the community, and determine how best to fight the virus. They will communicate with residents on how to best prevent COVID-19.
No purple counties today (thankfully) but 78% of Ohioans are now living in a red county. There are 43 red counties
Gov. DeWine says a high school football team had 13 players with COVID-19. A couple of players got it and it spread from here. He says most of Ohio's spread is coming from informal gatherings, not big team or school functions.
Low-income families with children who have special needs may qualify for up to $1500 in a grant to help with tutoring or other needed supports. Check it out online at LearningOhio.com
DeWine says people in local communities are more likely to listen to people they personally know. That's why he says the new community-based COVID Defense Teams could be helpful.
When asked about how many Ohioans have had COVID symptoms that have lasted for months, Dr. Richard Lofgren says it's a real thing. He says it is unclear why these "long-haulers" have such serious cases when others have milder symptoms.
When asked about mask mandate, DeWine says there is one on right now. But he says Ohio doesn't have a mask police and health departments are busy so the mask mandate relies on the goodwill of Ohioans to make sure they are wearing their masks consistently.
DeWine says he's been on calls w/ local sheriffs/police about the response to possible problems on Election Day. He says the state essentially has a "war room." ONG and the state will be ready/on standby Nov 3rd but he says it's up to local police/sheriffs to deal w/ issues first
DeWine says the biggest threat to keeping schools open right now is the virus. He says more rising cases, more deaths, more closings.
DeWine says if you feel like you can go to the grocery store, you can go vote. He says someone with concerns about health should pick a time of day when there isn't a crowd. Morning, lunchtime, or late afternoon appears to often be the busiest time at early vote centers.
Gov. DeWine ends his briefing with the Ohio Natl Guard talking about its efforts to help with COVID testing.
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