COLUMBUS, Ohio — For the fifth consecutive day, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine held a press conference to update the public on the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The governor declared a state of emergency on Monday, and yesterday issued orders banning most gatherings of more than 100 people and giving K-12 school students a three-week spring break. There are now 13 confirmed cases in the state, and that number is expected to increase.
On Friday, DeWine announced another order banning visitation at jails until further notice. He also said school lunch programs would remain in place despite the layoff, and added that "learning should continue." Daycares will remain open, but that may change.
DeWine was joined by Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton and Department of Job and Family Services Director Kimberly Hall. Dr. Acton on Thursday said she believes more than 100,000 people in the state are already carrying the virus, although she later clarified she does not want to alarm anyone with that statistic.
"As we can see, we're in a crisis situation now," Acton said. "Taking decisive action now will greatly slow down this disease and stop this trajectory."
3News streamed the press conference in its entirety. You can watch it again in the player below: