COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine gave the latest updates on Ohio's response to the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday
More than 40,000 Ohioans have been infected with COVID-19, and more than 2,400 of those have died. Daily case numbers & hospitalizations have been trending downward, although both were up slightly on Wednesday.
DeWine was joined again by Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton. During the briefing, the governor stunningly announced that Dr. Acton would step down from her role, effective immediately.
The decision appears to be entirely Acton's, despite the criticism she had been receiving from conservative circles in recent weeks and months. However, a majority of Ohioans continue to approve of her job performance, and DeWine praised her efforts again on this day.
"She always has put the health and safety of Ohioans first and foremost," he said.
Acton will not be going away completely, though, as DeWine has convinced her to stay on as his chief health advisor. Acton said she had been thinking about resigning for some time and feels this is the right opportunity to do so.
"Ohioans, you have saved lives," she said. "You have done this, and it is my honor to continue to work on this alongside of you."
3News air DeWine's remarks live in their entirety, and you can watch them again in the player below:
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