UPDATE @ 10:47 p.m.: Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio Department of Health director, is to issue an order to close all polling places Tuesday, Ohio Primary day, because of a health emergency arising from the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Mike DeWine announced in a statement to media.
UPDATE @ 8:26 p.m.:
The Ohio Primary is still on for Tuesday as a Franklin County Common Pleas judge this evening has rejected Gov. DeWine’s recommendation to postpone Election Day until June.
The judge said allowing a temporary restraining order and injunction would set a bad precedent. The judge said the state legislature should make the call.
EARLIER REPORT
Ohio is now up to 50 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to the latest numbers from the Ohio Department of Health. There have been 14 people hospitalized with the virus.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine made the following announcements this afternoon:
- Gov. DeWine and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose have proposed postponing in-person voting for the primary election to June 2. A lawsuit will be filed in Franklin County to extend the election.
- Fitness centers, gyms, public rec centers, bowling alleys, movie theaters, indoor water parks, indoor trampoline parks will all close today.
- Mass gathering ban will now be for more than 50 people.
- Grocery stores will stay open.
The White House’s Coronavirus Task Force held a press briefing Monday:
- President Donald Trump and federal officials recommended not gathering in groups of more than 10 people.
- A vaccine option is being tested.
- Trump says these precautionary measures may be needed through July or August.
- Asking Americans to avoid discretionary travel.
- One million coronavirus tests available nationwide and more to come this week. At least two million tests next week and 5 million tests the week after that.
Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County hosted a press conference with local agencies to discuss local response to the virus:
- Be aware of possible scams surrounding the virus, Sheriff Rob Streck said.
- Dayton Children's Hospital doesn't see coronavirus having a significant impact on children; however, children may get sick.
- Area healthcare agencies working with local universities, including: Wright State, UD and Sinclair College.
- Premier Health has special isolation rooms and low pressure rooms to assist with any infected patients. 24/7 incident command centers have been established at each Premier Health hospital. Tents will be put up for screening at every emergency department entrance at Premier hospitals.
- RTA will continue its normal services to allow customers to travel on necessary trips.
Here’s what else you need to know today:
- Premier Health and the University of Dayton have partnered to set up a COVID-19 testing site in the parking lot of University of Dayton Arena. Local health officials said that testing will start Tuesday.
- Clark County declared a public health state of emergency during a Monday press conference.
- Sunday, Governor Mike DeWine ordered bars and restaurants to close dining areas. Carry-out and delivery operations were still allowed, but patrons are not be permitted in dining rooms.
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- Bar and restaurant owners can return unopened high-proof liquor to relive some financial strain.
- Dayton area hospitals are now restricting which visitors are allowed into their buildings.
- Beginning today, several area schools will be closed until at least April following Gov. Mike DeWine's announcement of an "extended three-week spring break."
- DeWine said Sunday he is issuing an executive order that makes several changes to Ohio's unemployment law.
- Elections are expected to continue as planned Tuesday. Some polling locations have been moved.
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There are currently 50 cases of the Coronavirus confirmed in Ohio.
The ages of those infected range from age 14 to 86. There are 20 females and 30 males confirmed to have the virus.
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- Butler County: 6 cases
- Belmont County: 2 cases
- Cuyahoga County: 24 cases
- Franklin County: 3 cases
- Geauga County: 1 case
- Lorain County: 2 cases
- Lucas County: 1 case
- Medina County: 1 case
- Stark County: 3 cases
- Summit County: 2 case
- Trumbull County: 2 cases
- Tuscarawas County: 1 case
There have been 140 people who tested negative for the virus according to the Ohio Department of Health’s