COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton held a briefing on Thursday to provide the latest on the state's response to COVID-19.
Husted announced three key opening dates as the state continues to work its way back from the effects of coronavirus:
- Miniature golf, batting cages, and bowling alleys – May 26
- Skills training for all sports – May 26
- Catering and banquet centers – June 1
RELATED: Ohio bowling alleys, miniature golf courses and batting cages will be allowed to open May 26
DeWine today announced initial findings from his Minority Health Strike Force. The team was formed in April in response to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on African Americans who make up 14 percent of Ohio's population, but represent 26 percent of positive COVID-19 cases, 31 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations, and 17 percent of COVID-19 deaths in Ohio.
"I am deeply concerned about this data. I am the Governor of all of Ohio, and when I see something disproportionately affecting some of our citizens, I have a responsibility to do something," said Governor DeWine. "To augment on the work that we are currently doing on health equity and to address the immediate threats posed by COVID-19 to our minority communities we intend to move forward with the strike force's recommendations, and we have several additional efforts that are ready to get underway."
Some of the steps DeWine proposed on Thursday include expanding testing capacity and access for minorities and high-risk populations. Also, using data to prioritize resources in the communities that have the highest need.
The Ohio Department of Health announced that the number of confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 is over 30,000. 1,836 people have died.
Click here for our coronavirus section