CEDARVILLE, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine didn't need to hold a briefing on Friday to make his thoughts clear on the continuing high number of COVID-19 cases in the state of Ohio.
Shortly after the Ohio Department of Health released its daily coronavirus figures at 2:00 p.m., DeWine tweeted out, "We are facing a monumental crisis in Ohio."
The "monumental crisis" had to with the fact that the state reported 8,071 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, shattering the previous record by nearly a thousand cases.
"Since yesterday (Thursday), 8,071 new #COVID19 cases were reported. Nearly 300 more people were admitted to Ohio hospitals. 42 more people have died. It is up to everyone to slow this virus down. Protect your family and friends. Wear a mask," DeWine added.
At his Thursday COVID-19 briefing, DeWine revealed that all 88 of the state's counties are now to be considered to be "high incidence" in regards to the coronavirus. As of Thursday, 68 of Ohio's 88 counties have reached the Level 3 "red" coronavirus risk level of the state's Public Health Advisory System. Two of those counties, Franklin County and Tuscarawas County, are on the watch list to reach Level 4 "purple" -- the highest level on the advisory -- as soon as next week.
During a statewide address on Wednesday, DeWine announcecd the reissuing of the state's mask order, with potential punishments for businesses that fail to enforce it. Gov. DeWine also said he would soon be issuing new orders regarding gatherings and activities and would spend the coming weeks evaluating whether to close bars, restaurants, fitness centers and schools if the state's coronavirus numbers don't improve.
You can watch DeWine's Thursday COVID-19 briefing in the player below: