Coronavirus Pandemic: Ohio sees single-day case record, many counties fall from red status

Gov. Mike DeWine held a press conference to provide an update on the state’s response to coronavirus Thursday, including announcements about a possible emergency rule around liquor sales at bars and restaurants and new guidance on mass gatherings.

The following announcements were made:

• DeWine is asking the Pharmacy and Medical Boards to examine the issues surrounding hydrochloroquine.
• The state reported its highest daily count of coronavirus cases. Nine of the top 10 days have been in the last three weeks, DeWine said.
• DeWine said the state continues to see fewer visits to the ER involving people complaining of COVID-19 symptoms.
• There were 10 fewer counties this week that fell into the Level 3 Red Category of the Public Health Advisory System map, DeWine said.
• DeWine said he’s continuing to have grave concerns about COVID-19 spread at establishments that serve alcohol onsite consumption.
• DeWine said he’s asking the liquor board to call an emergency meeting to consider establishing an emergency rule related to liquor sales. That meeting will be at 9 a.m. on Friday. If approved, the rule would prevent alcohol sales at bars and restaurants after 10 p.m. “The businesses can stay open – but we believe that stopping alcohol sales at 10 o’clock for onsite consumption will help thin out the crowd and help slow the spread,” DeWine said.
• This proposed emergency rule does include restaurants that serve alcohol, but the state’s proposal will allow any liquor-permitted establishment that sells food to continue serving meals until closing.
• DeWine is also requesting that the Ohio Liquor Control Commission raise the number of liquor and mixed drinks that can be purchased with a meal to-go from 2 to 3.
• DeWine also announced a new order to include guidance and recommendations for mass gatherings to include:
• Gatherings at a household or family residence should be limited to close friends/family and are recommended to be 10 visitors or less.
• Residents in a red/purple county should limit hosting or attending gatherings of any size.
• Wear a mask at all times at gatherings and maintain physical distance.
• Use take out, outdoor dining, or indoor dining only when strict social distancing can be maintained.
• Take extra precautions if you go to bars/clubs, where use of masks typically is inconsistent and drinking alcohol can lead to less social distancing.
• Protect anyone w/ serious medical conditions at home by social distancing, wearing a mask, and high levels of hygiene.
• High-risk individuals should take extra precautions to limit the number of people they interact with.
• Make the group of people you interact with most often as small as possible and make sure that they are taking appropriate COVID-19 precautions – even if you are just gathering with family, friends, or neighbors at your home.