Governor DeWine Press Conference Summary for September 10
Below are the updates from yesterday’s press conference with Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted. The next press conference is currently scheduled for Tuesday, September 15th at 2:00 PM.
Here’s the news from Thursday:
- Ohio’s COVID-19 case data is below:
- 127,106 confirmed cases
- 6,980 probable cases
- 134,086 total cases
- 14,164 hospitalizations
- 4,064 confirmed deaths
- 290 probable deaths
- 4,354 total deaths
- 3,070 ICU admissions
- More data is available on the COVID-19 Dashboard HERE.
- Upgraded to Level 3 (Red): Summit
- Remaining at Level 3 (Red): Butler, Mercer, Montgomery, Preble, and Putnam
- Downgraded to Level 2 (Orange): Lucas and Wayne
- There are no counties on Ohio’s Watch List
- With flu season approaching, Governor DeWine today reminded Ohioans of the importance of getting a flu shot this year. The Governor, First Lady Fran DeWine, and Lt. Governor Jon Husted, all received their flu shots this afternoon. Those who are elderly and need help getting to their physician's office can contact their local Area Agency on Aging at 866-243-5678 to access transportation resources and other services. Anyone without a primary healthcare provider can visit vaccinefinder.org to find nearby pharmacies and other healthcare locations offering the flu vaccine.
- While Governor DeWine today named a new Director of the Ohio Department of Health, the hire didn't actually go through. The Governor's Office continues to search for a candidate.
- On World Suicide Prevention Day, Governor DeWine reminded citizens that resources are available for anyone who needs support due to stress, anxiety, sadness, or anger caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or other concerns. Ohioans can reach the Ohio Careline by calling 1-800-720-9616. Residents can also be connected to a trained crisis counselor via the Crisis Text Line by texting the keyword “4hope” to 741 741.
- In an effort to promote mental health, Governor DeWine's RecoveryOhio team partnered with the Ohio Department of Insurance to launch a series of television, radio, and digital ads to help Ohioans who have questions about their health insurance coverage when seeking treatment. The PSAs will begin airing next week in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. Ohioans with questions about mental health and substance use disorder benefits can contact the Ohio Department of Insurance at 1-800-686-1526.
- Lt. Governor Husted reminded Ohioans that the deadline to complete the 2020 Census is quickly approaching. The census, which only takes about 10 minutes to complete, impacts the state for the next 10 years, including how federal, state and local funding is distributed and determines congressional representation. Ohioans can complete their census by either going to 2020Census.gov or calling 1-844-330-2020.
- Ohioans filed 17,983 initial jobless claims last week, according to statistics the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) reported to the U.S. Dept. of Labor today. Over the last 25 weeks, ODJFS has distributed more than $6.3 billion in unemployment compensation payments to more than 799,000 Ohioans. Of the more than 1 million applications the agency has received, more than 94% have been processed, with less than 6% pending. In addition, ODJFS has issued more than $5.5 billion in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) payments to more than 557,000 PUA claimants.
- 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 7AM to 7PM, Saturday 9AM to 5PM, and Sunday 9AM to 1PM. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.
As always, Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH are great resources for those who have questions.