COLUMBUS, Ohio — Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted were back on Tuesday with a news conference providing the latest updates on the state's response to coronavirus.
Here were some of the important points brought up by DeWine in his last briefing on Thursday:
FEMA rumor
DeWine made it clear he prefers not to discuss rumors. But at his press briefing on Tuesday, the governor was willing to make an exception, calling rumors that Ohio plans to enact an order forcing those who have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) into mandatory FEMA camps or shelters "crazy" and "ridiculous."
Rather, DeWine stated, Ohio has approved funding to create safe housing options for those recovering from the coronavirus. He insisted, however, that the state has not and will not force anybody to do so, including children, as some internet rumors have inaccurately claimed.
"This order does not create FEMA camps to force people to quarantine against their will," DeWine said, referring to the funding to create such safe housing options for first responders, health workers and those working with COVID-19 positive patients.
Could OSU play football this fall?
DeWine said that he spoke to Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith earlier in the day and left the conversation believing that it was still "in play" for the Buckeyes to play a 2020 football season.
"I think there certainly is a decent chance of there being a season in football for the Big Ten, for Ohio State, which is what we're really concerned about," DeWine said. "I talked to Gene Smith this morning about that issue. I'm not going to disclose our conversation other than I inquired about it. He told me it was still in play, still very much a possibility."
Also
DeWine said that thousands of Ohio children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, but are learning remotely, will soon receive additional money to purchase nutritious foods through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer.