Coronavirus: Infection rates declining in Ohio, DeWine says; more business openings announced

Casinos, racinos, amusement and water parks, and outdoor theaters have been given the go-ahead to reopen in the coming weeks, Gov. Mike DeWine said.

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Locations that wish to reopen must submit a plan to the governor’s office and have it approved before reopening, DeWine and Lt. Gov. John Husted said.

The state has also approved the plan for The Memorial golf tournament, held at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, and the event will go on July 13-19 with patrons allowed. Tournament organizers said more details on safety and health protocols will be released later.

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New state data shows that the ratio of infection has dropped to below a one to one ratio, meaning an infected person on average infects less than one person, according to DeWine.

During the height of the outbreak, DeWine said data showed one infected person had the capability of spreading the COVID-19 virus to up to three people or more. However those numbers have been steadily declining.

DeWine took time to address critics who have demanded he reopen the state without any restrictions. DeWine said if he acted upon those demand it would have been “irresponsible” and it would have been an “abandonment of the duties as governor.”

He added the goals of reopening the state in phases was to make any business or activity as safe as it could be made, in regards to limiting the spread of the virus and infection rates.

DeWine said his office will continue to support and offer resources to universities and colleges in the state ahead of students returning to campuses this fall.

DeWine said the state will continue to provide testing and other efforts to protect the health of students, faculty and staff at the state’s higher education facilities.

DeWine also announced testing capabilities continue to expand across the state, and he has had conversations with national pharmacies about continued expansions.

DeWine said he has had conversations with CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, Walgreens, and Kroger about strengthening testing partnerships. The state continues to provide a map at the state’s coronvirus website that contains the locations of places were citizens can get a test.

Thursday, he announced the reopening of day camps and residential camps “at any time,” and that certain entertainment venues will be clear to resume operations or open beginning June 10 as long as state restrictions and guidelines are followed.

“We can continue to limit the spread of COVID-19 while we safely reopen our economy," DeWine said. "It is up to each of us to do what we can to keep each other safe and choose to keep six feet of social distance, wear masks, and maintain good hand hygiene.

“The threat of COVID-19 remains and while it’s our responsibility to keep each other safe, business owners and employees should do their part to ensure customers visit safely, by cleaning and sanitizing surfaces regularly,” the governor said.

Here is the list of entertainment venues that have been given the go-ahead:

• Aquariums
• Art galleries
• Country clubs
• Ice skating rinks
• Indoor family entertainment centers
• Indoor sports facilities
• Laser tag facilities
• Movie theaters (indoor)
• Museums
• Playgrounds (outdoor)
• Public recreation centers
• Roller skating rinks
• Social clubs
• Trampoline parks
• Zoos

LATEST STATE DATA: As of Friday afternoon, there have been at least 37,758 confirmed or probable cases in the state, 2,355 deaths, and 6,385 hospitalizations, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

Ohio has an estimated population of approximately 11.7 million, census records show.

Of the state’s positive cases, 19.5% are from Ohio’s prisons. At those prisons, there has been an increase in testing.

[ Local cases, deaths reported to Ohio Department of Health ]

There have been 423,521 people tested for coronavirus in Ohio. In the state, 5,483 cases are health care workers, which is 15 percent of the cases.

It is important to note the number of confirmed cases is not a true reflection of actual cases in the state because of the limited amount of testing available. The hope is that the number of cases will be more accurate because of the expansion of the testing standards.

Some things you need to know today, Friday:

• KINGS ISLAND SUIT: Kings Island sued Dr. Amy Acton, state health director, over COVID-19 rules
• TENANT PROTECTION: The Dayton City Commission has added protections for tenants
• UD FALL PLANS: The University of Dayton plans to offer in-person classes this fall
• FUNDING BILL: The Ohio House on Thursday passed legislation that would send $350 million to cities. It returns to the Senate for approval.
• VISITATION POLICIES: Still coming: Guidance on nursing homes and congregant facility visitation. On June 8, outdoor visits may begin at assisted living and intermediate care facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

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• COVID-19 UPDATES: Catch up on the latest news concerning the virus

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