The following is a recap of Governor Mike DeWine’s press conference on March 22, 2020:

• Time is of the essence, and we have to buy that time.

• Dr. Acton Health Director’s Order: Stay at home order for all Ohioans effective Monday at 11:59 p.m. through April 6th. The full text of the Order can be found here.

• Allows exceptions for essential activities, for health and safety, for necessary supplies and services, for outdoor activity (walk dog, go on hike) with social distancing measures, essential work, and to take care of others

• Essential businesses allowed to stay open: see Stay at Home Order for list of essential businesses at coronavirus.ohio.gov

  • All businesses allowed to stay open must follow health guidelines now by order; can be enforced by local health departments and law enforcement

  • At least 6 ft social distancing, washing hands, etc.; designate 6 ft distances; hand sanitizer and products must be readily available. separate operating hours for vulnerable populations,

• Daycares: 117,000 down to 17,000 kids in state subsidized daycares. Starting Thurs., all centers must operate under emergency pandemic childcare license; maximum of 6 children per room; reduce ratios 1 teacher to 6 children; shared space must have rigorous cleaning schedule but recommend no common space; keep children of same employer together whenever possible; limit parent interaction at drop off and pick up; through April 30th

• 351 confirmed cases, 3 deaths. “Tip of the iceberg.” Feb 7th-March 22nd; age 1-93 median age 51; 83 hospitalizations, numerous ICU; 40 counties confirmed

• Dr. Action: “Every one of us matters, and every day matters but today is the day that matters; today is the day that we have to baton down the hatches and move to a model of essential business.” “Absolutely essential that we don’t do this in a piecemeal way. There’s no time left. Listen to what Italy is telling us. Today is the day. We have absolutely got to do everything that’s in our power, each and every one of us, to protect the people on the front line… so that they can protect us.”

Dr. Acton: I am not afraid, I am determined, but I need you to do everything. This is our one shot in this country. All of us are going to have to sacrifice. It is our one shot. I feel more hope than I’ve ever felt. Life seems like its shutting down, but I feel like life is waking us up. I see a vision of the future that’s brighter than what we have now.”

• Coronavirus.ohio.gov/businesshelp: Info about SBA loans, BWC premium deferrals, liquor buy back for restaurants and bars.; health care premium deferral

• Businesses in critical supply chain are hiring in the thousands: Walmart, amazon, Kroger, giant eagle, discount drug mart, pizza delivery, convenience stores, etc.- ohiomeansjobs.com

• Carry out at restaurants are still allowed.

• Essential activities permitted: grocery store, pharmacy,

• Board of Pharmacy emergency decision re: malaria drugs: can be prescribed for intended circumstances and if test positive for COVID-19; need to stop prescription rush.

• Asks General Assembly to forgo state-mandated testing for students this year