Notes from Governor Mike DeWine’s press conference on March 21, 2020:

• DeWine: the government can only do so much- how well we follow the CDC recommendations and separate ourselves and how much we say no to non-essential activities will determine our future- it will determine how many of us die. We have been invaded by an enemy, and the enemy cannot move forward without our help. Everyone must ask themselves every night if they did everything they could to stop the spread. Everyone must take this seriously and stay home.

• Adult day centers for people with developmental disabilities ordered to close unless group sizes are less than 10; care for all 26,000 impacted citizens around Ohio has been secured.

• Dr. Acton and DeWine: It’s a fallacy that middle America is not impacted by coronavirus to a large extent. Ohio is the 7th largest state with extensive businesses and universities with global reach; everything points to the fact that Ohio was impacted early but has been one of the last states to get the reagents needed for testing. We’re only seeing a snapshot of the past; we’re still conserving available testing for the most high-risk, hospital workers, and first responders; we’re running out of reagent here for testing- our data is incomplete. Ohio has 247 confirmed cases with the onset of illness documented as far back as February 7th at this point; 58 people are hospitalized and many in the ICU; 31 counties are impacted; we’re already taking people off of ventilators. We will be seeing more deaths.

• We’re maximizing the testing we have the best we can. We have to use what we have while we have it in the best way possible.

• Ohio hot spots in nursing homes in Dayton, Tuscarawus county, Cuyahoga county, and Cleveland.

• Dr. Acton: We have days to take these measures and we need to take them now. These measures all have rippling consequences and cascading effects; we’re working with scientists from around the world on the economic impact. These are hard choices but the best tools we have, and we need to use them now.

• Husted: Bureau of Worker’s Compensation: business may be permitted to forgo payments until  6/1. (Date may be extended if determined closer to June that an extension is necessary.)

• Husted: ODOT waivers will be provided for oversized load transportation of critical, essential supplies, allowing larger and heavier-weighted loads of critical supplies. ODOT waiver can be printer on their website; fees will be waived.

• SBA disaster relief loans reminder for small businesses: disasterloan.SBA.gov/ela

• Husted: Order being issued to allow employers to defer payment of premiums to health insurance providers for up to 60 days interest free to continue coverage of employees’ health insurance.

• Mental Health: stress, anxiety, fear, grief, sadness- everything we’re feeling is normal.

  • Take your medications; stay in touch with your provider

  • If it’s the first time you’re experiencing concerns, reach out for help. Providers are still taking new patients

  • You are not alone. Even with physical distancing, stay connected socially. Coronavirus.ohio.gov à resources for adults: provides critical info for resources, including mental health support

  • Text 4hope to 741 741 if you need help immediately

  • 1-800-273-8255 for the suicide prevention hotline

  • “You’ve done hard things before; you can do them now.”

• Tips for managing stress w/ kids and families at home:

  • Kids take their cues from the adults- they feed on the energy of grownups

  • Talk with kids about what’s happening

  • Have a family plan for how you’re doing tour part to prevent the spread and to care for each other in the home; give kids a role

  • Monitor and limit media exposure- lots of bad information out there. “Media is there 24/7 for our convenience, not our consumption.”

  • Households aren’t used to being together 24/7- find ways to carve out personal space and time away from each other within the home; important for kids and adults

  • Use your manners-  saying please and thank you helps you keep your cool

  • Use the acronym HALT: hungry, angry, lonely, or tired: if you are any of these, you need to take care of yourself first and then go back into action to support other people

  • Maintain a routine for your family; routine is important for kids