COVID-19 Update from the Ohio Governor's Office - Includes General Business Guidance
Below are the updates from yesterday’s press conference with Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Dr. Acton. Today's press conference is scheduled for 2:00 PM. You can watch this on the Ohio Channel, Ohio Public TV (PBS stations), and other Columbus-based outlets.
Here are the highlights from Thursday:
- In Ohio there are 119 confirmed cases and 33 individuals currently being hospitalized. There are confirmed cases in 26 counties across the state.
- Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor announced the Supreme Court will issue $4 million dollars to courts for technology improvements. Courts should also prioritize work, suspend non-essential jury trials, refrain from foreclosure hearings, and use discretion to release non-violent offenders who are highly at-risk. We would like to emphasize that the Supreme Court is staying open and local courts should do the same.
- Governor DeWine issued an executive order that will expand access to medical and behavioral health services using telehealth. Patients don’t need to have an existing relationship with a healthcare professional to utilize these services. You can find a copy of the order HERE.
- Governor DeWine announced that internet cafes will be ordered to close.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved the request to allow small businesses and nonprofits in Ohio to apply for low-interest, long-term loans of up to $2 million through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Loan applications can be completed online at disasterloan.sba.gov or applicants can obtain a paper application by calling 1-800-659-2955. A checklist for businesses and employers can be found HERE.
- Governor DeWine strongly recommends that all employers screen employees and check temperatures daily to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. Supplemental information and guidance can be found HERE.
- Ohioans can apply for unemployment benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It is also possible to file by phone at 877-644-6562 or TTY at 888- 642-8203, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.
As always, www.Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH are great resources for those who have questions.
Additionally, please take the time to visit OADA's website, www.oada.com, where we have created a special page to house the information dealers need to navigate this pandemic.