Coronavirus shutdown: Gov. DeWine to announce plans for gradual reopening of Ohio

Posted: Apr 27, 2020 / 01:40 PM EDT

Updated: Apr 27, 2020 / 04:59 PM EDT

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW)– Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine held his daily coronavirus news conference at 2 p.m. Monday. He was joined by Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted.

As of Monday, there were 16,325 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in the state. The Ohio Department of Health said the virus has resulted in 753 deaths in Ohio.

In the last 24 hours, there were 362 cases, 25 deaths, 54 hospitalizations and 26 intensive care admissions reported to the department of health.

DeWine said they worked to increase the amount of testings by getting more reagent and more test swabs. He estimates daily testing will be at 7,228 for the week of April 29; 14,275 for the week of May 6; 18,200 for the week of May 13; 20,275 for the week of May 20; and 22,275 for the week of May 27.

DeWine reminded Ohioans that anyone can get COVID-19, but those who are 65 and over are much more at risk. Those with chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, heart conditions, immunocompromised individuals, obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and liver disease are high risk.

The governor said we need to continue to practice social distancing and wear masks in public.

“I don’t think I have to tell any Ohioan the importance of moving forward,” DeWine said. “We’ve got to open things up and at the same time protect Ohioans.”

DeWine said on May 1, all medical procedures that can be done without an overnight stay in the hospital can move forward. Dentists and veterinarians can also move forward.

On May 4, manufacturing, distribution and construction will open back up. General office environments can also reopen on May 4. On May 12, consumer, retail and services can reopen. The governor said they must follow strict guidelines.

More details on Gov. Mike DeWine’s outline for reopening Ohio here

“What we put together is a plan based on all the information we have about how dangerous COVID-19 is, but we also know it’s dangerous to not have people working. There are consequences there too. We have to balance,” DeWine said.

Husted said 446,000 Ohioans have been served by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services unemployment program. It has paid out $1.24 billion in benefits.