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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine: 'If we do not change course, Florida and Arizona will be our future'

Speaking to Ohioans on Wednesday, Governor Mike DeWine warned of the state's need to reverse its recent coronavirus trends.

Despite speculation he might, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine didn't any issue any new orders on Wednesday.

But as he addressed the state regarding where it stands in its fight with the coronavirus (COVID-19), DeWine warned the need for Ohio to reverse its recent trends.

"If we do not change course, Florida and Arizona will be our future," DeWine said.

Florida and Arizona are two of the states that have fared worst with the coronavirus in recent weeks, with DeWine pointing to their recent tallies of caseloads. DeWine also noted that about a month ago, both Florida and Arizona sat where Ohio does currently, with the Buckeye State reporting 1,316 new coronavirus cases and 160 new hospitalizations on Wednesday.

If Ohioans don't take steps to reverse these trends by taking measures like wearing masks and practicing social distancing, DeWine warned that those numbers could rise drastically, just as they have in Florida and Arizona in recent weeks.

"This worrisome, disturbing reversal of our progress is a jarring reminder of just how quickly our fate can change," DeWine said. "I'm afraid our window of opportunity may be soon closing."

While DeWine didn't issue any orders on Wednesday, he did state that he would do anything necessary to protect the people of the state. He also alluded to the possibility of measures such as future economic shutdowns if the state's numbers don't improve.

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