Notes on Ohio and National Briefings

Ohio:

• Dr. Amy Acton: Nearly 40% of all hospitalized coronavirus patients in the U.S. are between 20-54 years old. We are on the “upsweep” of the curve. Every day and every person matters – you need to stay home.

• Governor DeWine asks all Ohioans to put out their American and Ohio flags.

• Internet cafes are being closed.

• Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor: Courts must be open to address emergency and time-sensitive matters. Essential court functions must continue.

• Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor: Domestic violence-related evictions in process may still proceed upon the judgment of the local court.

• DeWine: slight backtrack on daily temperature readings for all employees as thermometers are largely unavailable. It is still a recommended action as one part of their larger employee-protection measures. Employers who cannot take temperatures are encouraged to ask employees to take their own temperatures at home each day.

• National Guard is being deployed to help with transport, food distribution, etc.; not armed “martial law” activity.

• Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran: An Executive Order is being signed to increase access to telehealth for Medicaid consumers. Persons don’t have to be an established patient or have a primary care doctor to participate in telehealth. Insurance companies are also working to expand telehealth availability.

• SBA low interest long-term loans up to $2M have been approved by the federal government and can be used for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other debts associated with coronavirus. Small business owners can apply at  disasterloan.sba.gov/ela (preferred) or call 800-659-2955.

• 111,000 new unemployment claims filed in Ohio from Monday through Wednesday.

• Ohioans may visit workforce.ohio.gov for job skills training resources, including free and online job skills trainings and courses on business and computer topics.

• The American Red Cross is asking for blood donations as donation events have been canceled due to coronavirus. Appointments for donation times are available and encouraged to maintain social distancing. Those in lower-risk age and health groups are encouraged to donate blood.

 Federal:

• FEMA being deployed to assist in disaster relief nationally

• FDA fast tracks experimental drugs and experimental use of existing anti-viral drugs to attempt to slow the spread

• Senate is working on stimulus relief bill that could result in two payments to Americans of $1000 per adult and $500 per child up to $3000; once passed, anticipated payment dates at the beginning of April and again in May.

• Regulatory changes made allowing for the sale of industrial N95 masks to hospitals to address medical supply shortages. Some hospitals in New York are already using bandanas and other make-shift masks due to depleted supplies.

• Companies are encouraged to donate any masks, gloves, Tyvek suits, booties, face masks, or other medical PPE they may have to local hospitals.

• Trump “not opposed” to placing conditions on large industry bail-out funds to prevent future stock buy-backs.