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Governor DeWine Press Conference Summary for Tuesday, February 16

Below are the updates from Governor DeWine’s press conference. The next press conference is currently scheduled for Thursday, February 18th at 2:00 PM.

Here’s the news from Tuesday: 

  • Ohio’s COVID-19 case data is below:
    • 813,465 confirmed cases
    • 129,826 probable cases  
    • 943,291 total cases
    • 48,739 hospitalizations
    • 14,000 confirmed deaths
    • 2,453 probable deaths
    • 16,453 total deaths
    • 6,949 ICU admissions  
    • More data is available on the COVID-19 Dashboard HERE. 

VIRTUAL TOWNHALLS

  • As part of Ohio's continuing efforts to ensure equity in Ohio's vaccination program, ODH is holding virtual town hall meetings focused on specific minority communities.
    • These virtual meetings will involve local medical professionals and community leaders who will guide these conversations to discuss the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. 
  • The meetings are intended to jumpstart conversations and give local leaders and attendees the tools they need to better inform members of their communities about vaccine facts, enhance access to trusted resources, and drive conversations in their own communities about why vaccinations are important. 

WEATHER DELAYS

  • Due to severe weather across Ohio and the country, both Pfizer and Moderna have advised that direct vaccine shipments to providers may be delayed one to two days.
    • The Ohio Department of Health has contacted all providers that are expecting direct shipments to notify them of these potential delays. 
  • Vaccine providers scheduled to receive a vaccine parcel today from Ohio's Receipt, Store, and Stage (RSS) Warehouse are receiving their deliveries on a two-hour delay. 
  • Many providers are continuing with their scheduled vaccination appointments, but some have canceled appointments due to snow emergencies.
    • These providers are contacting patients by phone call, email, or by posting on social media.
    • Ohioans who haven’t heard from their provider and are concerned about whether or not their appointment is still scheduled should contact their provider or visit their website.
    • Ohioans who need to cancel their vaccination for any reason should contact their provider to reschedule. 

CENTRAL SCHEDULING SYSTEM UPDATE

  • Governor DeWine announced today that Ohio's centralized scheduling website has been created, and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is now working with vaccine providers to enroll them in the system.
    • The website will serve as a singular location for Ohioans to confirm that they are eligible to be vaccinated, identify nearby providers, and schedule their vaccine appointment. 
  • Ohio and approximately 40 other states chose not to use the centralized system that the federal government intended to develop.
    • Instead, Ohio chose to build its own centralized scheduling system. Despite the significant build time and configuration, the system was built within Ohio's intended timeframe. 
  • ODH will work directly with vaccine providers to integrate their current systems into the statewide system and assist them in working through current waitlists to potentially integrate these commitments into the centralized system.
    • Providers will be expected to use this system as Ohio looks to the future, and guidance will be provided in the near future regarding deadlines. 
  • Outside partners, including the Area Agencies on Aging, will be available to help Ohioans who do not have access to the internet with appointment scheduling. 

INVESTING IN OHIO:  OHIO’S FY 22-23 OPERATING BUDGET

Statements of Support for Governor DeWine’s Executive Budget

BROADBAND 

“The need for reliable internet access to rural Ohio has been something that Farm Bureau has been stressing for years, and the pandemic has shown what a huge issue this is.  To see that type of investment in this proposal is a very positive sign of major progress in our efforts.” – Jack Irvin, Vice President of Public Policy, Ohio Farm Bureau 

H2OHIO 

“We applaud Governor DeWine’s ongoing commitment to addressing the significant water quality challenges and supporting our invaluable natural resources in Ohio.  In the Governor’s recently-released biennial budget the continued funding for H2Ohio, which is working to address the root causes of water quality issues through key programs housed within Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Department of Agriculture, and EPA has again demonstrated that investment in our natural resources is not a luxury; it is an investment in ourselves.  Impacts from the pandemic shined a light on the vulnerability of many social systems, from our places of gathering and work to entire cities and industries. But it also revealed another reality: that nature provides irreplaceable benefits to us all in times of strife, especially when our sense of community has been dismantled. Natural areas support our physical and mental well-being. Research shows that spending enough time in nature even makes us happier.  Nature’s worth can be quantified, too. Ohio’s lands and waters play a key role in our economy, with the outdoor recreation industry bringing $1.5 billion in annual tax revenue to our state and local governments. We look forward to working with Governor DeWine, and the General Assembly to protect and restore our precious lakes, streams and natural places.” - Bill Stanley, Ohio State Director, The Nature Conservancy 

PUBLIC SAFETY 

"We applaud Governor DeWine & Lt. Gov. Husted for maintaining critical funding in the nonprofit security grants as part of the state's public safety budget.  Threats to houses of worship and other faith-based organizations and at cause-focused nonprofits have increased sharply in recent years.  Rather than slowing down during the pandemic, plots have become deadlier and radicalization has accelerated, and Ohio's share of such attempts and plans is far too high.  As we move more fully into reopening Ohio, now is precisely the time to refocus on the safety of those at high risk of terror attack with targeted, sustainable investments in community security needs."  - Howie Beigelman, Executive Director, Ohio Jewish Communities 

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.

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