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Ohio coronavirus update: 2,547 confirmed cases, 65 deaths; DeWine administration takes several decisive actions

Ohio hospitals that don't perform COVID-19 testing must now send tests to hospitals that do.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Wednesday, Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton briefed the media on the latest in the state's fight against the spread of COVID-19.

There are now 2,547 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ohio. 65 people have died and 679 more are hospitalized.

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

Wednesday's briefing was highlighted by several decisive actions made by the DeWine administration.

  1. DeWine signed an executive order providing assistance to small businesses with mortgage and rent payments.
  2. Dr. Acton signed an order requiring hospitals that don't perform coronavirus testing to send tests to hospitals that do, not private labs.
  3. DeWine announced a partnership to increase the number of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus fight.

Ohio will now have access to federal funding after President Donald Trump declared that Ohio is in the state of a major disaster amid the coronavirus pandemic.

RELATED: President Trump approves disaster declaration for Ohio

This means federal funding will be available for local governments and non-profit organizations for emergency protective measures all through the state.

Click here for our special coronavirus section.

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