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Ohio coronavirus update: Over 17,000 cases, 937 deaths; Gov. DeWine clarifies state's mask and graduation guidelines

DeWine also announced that the state is issuing more than 4 million pieces of PPE to local emergency medical agencies.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton held a briefing Wednesday in Columbus to update the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to the Ohio Department of Health, there are now 17,303 confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus in the state. 937 people have died and another 3,421 are hospitalized. 

RELATED: Coronavirus & Ohio: The latest number of confirmed cases

The trio made several announcements and clarifications on Wednesday. The most significant was the requirements for masks and face coverings for both employees in the workplace and customers.

"When you are a customer in an Ohio business, you should wear a face covering. But you are not required to wear a face covering," Husted said. "Why do we say we should? It's because it's out of a mutual respect for one another. This is a virus that you can carry and you don't know. We want to protect employees. We want to protect customers. Everybody should do it -- but you're not required to do it.

As for employers and employees, Husted said face coverings are required while on the job. Exceptions have been made for employers and employees with certain conditions.

RELATED: Ohio clarifies mask guidelines: Encouraged for customers, mandatory for employees

With mass gatherings of more than 10 people still prohibited in the state, DeWine asked the state's departments of education and health to issue guidance for local schools and health departments to follow as they celebrate the class of 2020. The two departments came up with the following three recommendations, beginning with the most preferred option: 

  1. Virtual graduation ceremonies
  2. Drive-in ceremonies where students drive to a designated location at a designated time to get their diplomas.
  3. An event with 10 people or less at a time, who are socially distanced, where a graduate can receive his or her diploma. 

RELATED: Ohio issues guidance for high school graduation during coronavirus

RELATED: WATCH | Gov. Mike DeWine shares emotional message to high school seniors from son-in-law track coach

In addition, DeWine announced that Ohio has shipped a record 4.1 million pieces of PPE this week to state Emergency Medical Agencies. 

The shipment includes N95 masks, face shields, surgical masks and non-medical gloves and will be distributed between nursing homes, jails, living facilities, hospitals and first responders.

RELATED: Ohio ships record 4.1 million pieces of PPE to state emergency medical agencies

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