Ohio Governor Mike DeWine won't be holding his daily press briefing to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic alongside Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton on Wednesday, but some big announcements are expected later this week.
At his press briefing on Tuesday, DeWine said that he expects to make an announcement regarding policies related to the reopening of swimming pools and other outdoor activities on Thursday. Additionally, the state is continuing to work toward policies and plans for reopening industries including daycares, gyms and casinos amid the coronavirus.
Earlier this month, Ohio began the process of reopening its economy with dentists, veterinarians and expanded hospital services being permitted to recontinue on May 1. In the time since, the following industries have been given permission to reopen on the following dates:
- Office buildings - May 4
- Retail - May 12
- Outdoor dining at bars and restaurants - May 15
- Personal services (hair salons, barbershops, day spas, massage, tattoos, piercings) - May 15
- Indoor dining at bars and restaurants - May 21
As of Wednesday, Ohio has 25,721 confirmed and probable positive coronavirus cases, including 4,618 hospitalizations, 1,248 ICU admissions and 1,483 deaths. Dating back to the discovery of the state's first coronavirus case, DeWine put a number of measures in place to encourage physical distancing, including a stay-at-home order on March 23.