The roll out of the state’s Responsible RestartOhio plan continues this week, as will the questions and concerns from consumers and business owner/operators about what to expect.

Shoppers began venturing out into a new world of face coverings and markings on floors to keep people a safe distance apart while waiting to check out.

Some businesses, such as those that offer ride shares, are anticipating a positive surge.

Even as Gov. DeWine gave the green light to massage, piercing and tattoo businesses as well as restaurants, salons and other personal services on Friday, May 15, area cities are not all reacting the same as they prepare for diners who are wanting to get out of the house.

People waiting to hear the future of daycare and nursing home facilities must wait longer as the governor and his advisory groups continue to gather information and formulate their recommendations.

Gov. DeWine will not hold his daily news conference today.

LATEST STATE DATA: As of Wednesday afternoon, there are 25,721 cases in the state, 1,483 deaths, and 4,618 hospitalizations, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

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

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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 216,290 people tested for coronavirus in Ohio. In the state, 3,947 cases are health care workers, which is 16 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.

The Stay-Safe-Ohio order will be superseded as new developments occur during the month, so the governor is warning everyone not to wed themselves to May 29, when the order is to expire.

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What you need to know today, Wednesday

• FOOD BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN: The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (OJFS) now has received approval the OK from the federal Agriculture Department to distribute SNAP benefits to 850,000 students across Ohio who relied on free or reduced-price meal programs when school was in session. Families will receive approximately $300 to buy healthy and nutritious foods for their children. The benefits amount to more than $250 million.
• SUPPORT RETAILERS: Health Commissioner Jeff Cooper, Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County, recommended that consumers support businesses where it is obvious they are taking seriously the responsibilities to protect citizens and employees through face coverings, social distancing, etc.

>> What does the new order look like?

Other things you need to know today, Wednesday:

• COVID-19: Miami County responds on Jan. 7 case of illness
• Health regiment?: Could Vitamin D keep you healthy?
• Next Stimulus: U.S. House bill pushing for $1,200 per person per household
• Coronavirus Updates: The latest news from across the nation, the world

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