5/4/20 COVID 19 Update: Ohio Nurses Association

We should know a dine-in restaurant re-open date later this week and BMVs won’t open until late May. Plus, the governor has words for demonstrators crossing the line and there are 20,474 COVID-19 cases in Ohio.

More summary information from the May 4, 2020 COVID-19 update from Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted and ODH Director, Dr. Amy Acton:

• There are 20,474 cases and 19,609 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio spanning 88 counties with 1,056 fatalities, 3,809 hospitalizations and 1,090 ICU admissions. The age range is less than 1 to 106 with a median age of 51. 44% are female, 56% are male. 16% are healthcare workers.

• The governor started the press conference with a moment of silence for the 50th anniversary of the tragic events at Kent State University.

• In the next several days, we can expect a protocol and re-open date for dine-in restaurants. The workgroup for restaurants consists of representatives from smaller establishments to bigger chains.

• Retail opens May 12th, but retail establishments can do curbside pick ups and appointments right now.

• The coronavirus dashboard is now showing 21-day trends as opposed to 5-day trends for cases, death, hospitalizations and ICU admissions. Trend reporting is important as we re-open Ohio.

• The governor stated that he normally doesn’t comment on demonstrators and he has great respect for their right to demonstrate. He said he is fair game, but it is not fair game to disrespect the news media. He says to come after him instead of going after those who are demonstrating the first amendment right and informing the public. It is also not fair game to bother the family of Dr. Acton. He said he is the one who sets the policy and the one elected to office, so demonstrate against him.

• We are nearing 22,000 COVID-19 tests per day. Increased testing does not replace infection control measures such as social distancing and wearing a mask. Identification will help stop the spread of the infection throughout a facility or the community. While testing is expanded,

• While testing is expanded, it is not unlimited. Testing priorities: #1: Ohioans with symptoms who are hospitalized or healthcare workers. #2 Ohioans with symptoms who are residents of congregate living settings, first responders/public health workers/critical infrastructure workers, 65 and older and living with underlying conditions. Also, Ohioans without symptoms who are residents or staff exposed to an outbreak in a congregate living settings and other Ohioans who are designated by public health officials to evaluate/manage community outbreaks. #3: Ohioans with and without symptoms who are receiving essential surgeries/procedures or receiving other medically necessary procedures not requiring an overnight stay/inpatient hospital admission.

• There are 5 BMVs open across the state to meet special needs. The opening of the rest won’t happen until late May. They are working on the plan for safety measures and the re-hiring of staff. They are also working on the ‘get inline, online’ system, where people can check-in online to allow for an orderly process for re-opening. There still are suspended expiration dates until the BMVs are re-opened.

• We have tested approximately 3.4% of Ohio’s population.