In the spring, as the virus first surged, we shut things down. Ohioans did what they had to do. We flattened the curve, and we were able to open back up.
In the summer, we got hit again. The virus was heaviest in our urban areas, and some mayors and @OHDeptofHealth issued mask orders in these hot spots. Mask wearing in those areas went up dramatically, and as a result, cases dropped dramatically.
We are now seeing our third spike, but, this time, things are much different. We had been warned that when it got colder and drier, and when people were indoors more, the virus would rise up again. And it certainly has.
This surge is much more intense, widespread, and dangerous. As of today, every single one of our 88 counties has a high rate of virus spread, and areas of our state that were previously untouched - our rural areas - are being hit especially hard.
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It is essential that we also remember the existing orders that are already in place to slow the spread of the virus. In April, we issued an order to limit gatherings of more than 10 people. That limit is still in effect and applies to public events and private gatherings.
Despite this order, we have seen rampant spread of the virus as a result of banquets, wedding receptions, and social gatherings following funerals. We have seen great tragedy associated with such events. It’s not the ceremonies causing the problem. It’s the party afterward.
To address this, we will be issuing a new order soon to place significant new restrictions on these social activities.
Throughout the pandemic, most people and most businesses in Ohio have done things right, by wearing masks and ensuring that safety guidelines are followed. We are grateful for that. It is those actions that kept the virus from spreading uncontrollably in the spring and summer.
Most retail businesses have done a good job providing a safe place for their employees to work and for their customers to shop. However, it is clear there are some businesses where mask-wearing is lacking.
We know that masks work. It is the easiest, most cost-effective way to limit the spread of COVID-19. Every retail employee has the right to work in an environment that is as safe as can be, which means all customers must wear masks.
Today, hospitals are functioning as if at the peak of the flu season in January. But unlike the flu, when personnel know cases will begin to drop in late winter/early spring, these new COVID cases aren’t trending down. It is taking an enormous human toll on healthcare workers.
In the spring, we wanted to be sure we had enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ventilators, and hospital space. Today, the question is whether or not we will have enough people.
Our healthcare workers are exhausted. They have been running a marathon for nine months straight, and with this new wave and the onset of flu season, it’s like they are starting the race all over again.
At the beginning of this pandemic, we worked with the @OhioHospitals to set up a comprehensive statewide public health system that allows healthcare providers to help each other and to ensure that all Ohioans have access to quality care.
We divided the regions of the state into three healthcare zones.
➡Northern Ohio = Zone 1
➡Central and Southeast Ohio = 2
➡Southwest Ohio = Zone 3
Zone leads will:
➡Monitor patient movement to ensure access to treatment
➡Convene hospitals to maintain clear lines of communication
➡Ensure adequate provider resources
➡Share clinical expertise/treatment practices
➡Provide clinical/medical/administrative guidance
You’ll see from this week’s Public Health Advisory System map, Ohio is trending in the wrong direction.
There are 18 red counties—the highest number since the week of July 23. There are 58 orange counties this week - the highest ever.
The virus is spreading in more areas of the state and impacting a wider swath of Ohioans. Local health departments tell us this is due to lax social distancing, not enough people wearing masks, and people not following quarantine and isolation guidance.
In half of our new red counties, there are outbreaks related to funerals or weddings. In one example, there was a wedding where two grandfathers died due to COVID. Examples like these are absolutely heartbreaking.
What are the enduring lessons we've learned from the President's illness? #COVID19 can happen to anyone. No one is immune. While frequent testing is important, it isn't a substitute for masks and social distancing. Masks matter. Distance matters. Contact tracing matters.
In the days ahead, let's focus on the things that we can all do to fight back against the virus - the things we can do to enable us to have more freedom, to enable us to live a more normal life.
Each of us can demonstrate our love and respect for our fellow Ohioans by wearing a mask, avoiding large gatherings, keeping at least 6 feet distance from others, and frequently washing our hands. This is in our control.