Ohio Stay-at-Home Order to Take Effect; Jobs Claims at Historic High

Ohio’s “stay-at-home” order takes effect at midnight, cases top 350, and lawmakers prepare for a mid-week session to address everything from school testing to elections. A look at coronavirus-related developments in Ohio on Monday:

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CASES

Ohio has more than 350 cases and three deaths. Two nursing homes, in Troy and Tipp City, have confirmed coronavirus cases, while Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton confirmed its first case over the weekend.

The state is limiting testing to those who are hospitalized and to health-care workers. The Ohio Department of Health says people with suspected symptoms should call a medical provider first, but seek immediate help if symptoms are serious, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death. The vast majority of people recover.

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DAYCARES

Beginning Thursday, all child-care centers in Ohio must operate under a temporary Pandemic Child-Care license and follow guidelines including no more than six children in a class and one teacher to no more than six children.

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ECONOMY

Last week, nearly 140,000 Ohioans filed unemployment insurance claims in one week. State officials say these numbers dwarf any previous unemployment claims. The previous high for a month came during the recession in December 1981, when 205,159 claims were filed for the entire month, according to the Department of Job and Family Services.

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ELECTIONS

Over the weekend, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose proposed a plan by which postage-paid absentee ballots would be sent to every Ohioan who hadn’t already voted in the March 17 primary, along with postage to return the form. LaRose also wants continued discretion to allow in-person voting on June 2 if Gov. Mike DeWine’s “stay-at-home” order is no longer in place.

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TESTING

The Ohio Board of Pharmacy passed a new regulation this weekend to prevent hoarding of a malaria drug that President Donald Trump has suggested could treat people with the coronavirus.

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LEGISLATURE

The fate of the remaining school year, including graduation requirements and state-mandated testing, are among the top issues before lawmakers planning a return to Columbus this week to address challenges posted by the coronavirus.

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THE NEW NORMAL

DeWine’s “stay-at-home” order permits outdoor activities such as walking, running, biking or hiking, but shuts down playgrounds because of the risk of spread the virus that causes COVID-19.