President Trump and members of the COVID-19 Task Force met with reporters late Sunday afternoon.
Here are the highlights:
- U.S. military forces have rescued a woman who was held captive in Peru, where "she was being treated horribly."
- Trump said of Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, both of whom have tested positive for COVID-19, "They'll be fine. I think they'll all be fine."
- National Emergency Disaster declarations have been granted for New York, California and Washington state. Because of that, National Guard units have been designated for those states, Governors for those states will retain control of the Guard units.
- Under the declaration, FEMA will coordinate construction of medical stations in New York, California and Washington state. the USNS Mercy will be deployed to Los Angeles.
- The U.S. Army Corps off Engineer will be providing alternative care sites.
- Trump has signed the Defense Production Act, which will send hundreds of thousands of respiratory masks, gowns, and other personal protective equipment to New York, California and Washington state.
- Honeywell is doubling production of hundreds of thousands of protective masks,
- The Department of Energy and IBM are partnering to implement the use of supercomputers to fight the virus.
- The GI Bill will be used to to help provide distance learning for military veterans.
- Visitor access to Veteran Administration medical centers has been restricted.
- "We're all joined together," Trump said. "No one is alone as long as we're all united."
- "This is the greatest mobilization of the industrial base since World War II," said Peter Navarro, director, White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy.
- The USNS Comfort is being deployed to New York.
- Trump said he would be "totally in favor, at least temporarily", of Congress being allowed to vote on legislation from "a certain outside location" because the virus has hit some of the members.
Gov. Mike DeWine, state health department Director Dr. Amy Acton, and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted met with reporters Sunday afternoon.
Here are the highlights:
- Dr. Acton has signed a state health director's "stay at home" order for all Ohioans. Some call it "shelter in place". There are exceptions, such as taking a walk or walking your dog or travel for essential activities, for necessary supplies and services.
- Congregating at playgrounds and other areas where virus can be spread easily will not be allowed
- For congregations not following state health order on social distance:
- "We did not order religious organizations, churches, synagogues, mosques, but … to everyone is 'this is serious. It's dangerous. It's just dangerous.
- "I would implore ministers, priests, rabbis everyone to think about your congregation."
- "Coming together in a large group is just not a good idea. In fact, it's just very, very dangerous."
- For social distance and bars/businesses violating state order to close:
- Violating the order for bars and restaurants to close id a second-degree misdemeanor, DeWine said.
- "But we don't look for, two days from now, people to be arrested…. This is something that is important."
- "For the businesses that are staying open, you really, really need to follow this."
- Husted echoed the comments, that there are technologies that allow people to worship without gathering.
- Beginning Thursday, all daycare facilities must operate under temporary pandemic childcare license (maximum of 6 children per room)
- The onset period of the latest confirmed COVID-19 cases is Feb. 7 through March 22. The age range is 1 year old to 93 years old. The median age is 51 years old
- DeWine ordered flags at half-staff for Springdale police Officer Kaia Grant, killed Saturday night in a vehicle crash, and for state Rep. Manning of Mahoning County, who died Friday of a heart attack.
- DeWine will ask the legislature to forego state-mandated board testing for school children.
- DeWine will ask that prescriptions for malaria drugs to fight COVID-19 be allowed.
- There are critical businesses in the supply chain that are hiring by the thousands, including: Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Amazon, Discount Drug Mart, convenience stores that sell gas and more. Lt. Gov. Husted directed people to OhioMeansJobs.com
Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County gave a coronavirus update Sunday evening.
Here are the highlights:
- Montgomery County now has seven confirmed cases, Health Commissioner Jeff Cooper said.
- Private or public house parties are banned, said Mayor Nan Whaley.
- Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl says they are looking for voluntary compliance. They will take appropriate action to enforce the order if needed.
- It's time to stop asking what if's, Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck says. It's time to be responsible and follow the order.
- Law enforcement asks for thoughtful utilization of the 911 system during this time and urges citizens to leave it for essential emergencies.
- Scam artists are staging as people from the government. If someone is calling to ask for bank information in order to send you the government's stimulus package Sheriff Streck urges residents to hang up and not release any information.
Ohio now has at least 351 confirmed cases of coronavirus in 40 counties, including a new second case reported by Warren County health officials late Friday afternoon. At least 83 people have been hospitalized and there has been three confirmed deaths.
Both Logan County and Clinton County have confirmed one case of the coronavirus in each county, according to their health departments.
The Clinton County patient is in their 30s and is currently in self-isolation at their home.
The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base confirmed their first positive case of COVID-19 Saturday, March 21, and is currently in Health Protection Condition BRAVO to reflect the current level of disease threat posed by COVID-19 virus and the risk of exposure to local personnel.
Several local cases of coronavirus have been confirmed, including two confirmed and nine presumptive positive cases at a Troy assisted living facility.
Miami County Public Health confirmed that two residents of Koester Pavilion have died while waiting for the results of a coronavirus test, according to a release.
“This is a difficult situation,” said Dr. Amy Acton, director of Ohio Department of Health.
A resident of Koester Pavilion who was taken to Upper Valley Medical Center a week ago and was awaiting a test result for coronavirus has died, according to the Miami County Coroner's Office.
Ohio has recorded its first coronavirus-related death. On Thursday, Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton said Coronavirus is being investigated as the cause of death for a Toledo man.
President Trump and the White House COVID-19 Task Force will hold a news conference Sunday evening.
Local confirmed cases:
- Butler - 17
- Clark - 1
- Clinton- 1
- Darke - 1
- Logan - 1
- Greene - 1
- Miami - 13
- Montgomery - 5
- Warren - 3
>> Warren County health officials confirm second positive COVID-19 case
The range of dates from the onset of the illness is Feb. 7 to March 18. Ohio officials said 69 females and 100 males have been infected. The age range of confirmed cases is 1 year old to 91 years old.
Here’s what you need to know today:
- President Donald Trump announced relief for student loan borrowers during the coronavirus pandemic. Borrowers may suspend loan payments for 60 days with no penalties. Interest on federally held student loans will be temporarily waived.
- The U.S. border with Mexico will close to non-essential travel.
- President Trump says federal government is waiving school standardized test requirements amid virus disruptions.
- More than 245,000 More than 245,000 people worldwide --including more than 14,000 people in the United States -- have been infected with COVID-19. On Thursday, Italy's death toll surpassed China's. In the U.S., 195 have died.
- Premier Health's testing facility at the University of Dayton Arena is closed Sunday. Testing will resume Monday for those with a doctor's note/order between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- 34 flu tests were administered.
- Two flu tests were positive.
- 45 COVID-19 tests were administered.
- 47 total patients were seen.
- Zero patients were redirected due to the lack of physician order.
- Friday, physicians at the COVID-19 testing site at UD Arena administered 215 tests for the virus.
- Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley is urging people to donate blood, saying not to be afraid and to donate in wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
- The Wright State University men's basketball team was exposed to at least one and maybe both officials who worked the Horizon League semifinal this month and have tested positive for coronavirus, Horizon League officials confirmed Thursday night.
- An Oakwood family that was on a Disney cruise is stuck in California due to a statewide stay-at-home order that restricts non-essential travel.
- DeWine is asking Ohioans to fly the American flag outside their home as a sign of unity.
- Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor said courts must be open to address emergency and time sensitive matters.
- Internet cafes are being ordered to close.
- Public Utilities Commission of Ohio issued a moratorium in regard to electric and gas disconnects until May 1.
- DeWine is issuing an executive order that will expand access to medical and behavioral health services using telehealth. No existing relationship with a doctor is needed to get access to services.
- Ohio now is on the upslope of the curve. "It is urgent that we talk with each other -- it is time to heed this call. You need to stay at home if you can stay at home with your family," said Dr. Amy Acton.
- Ohio did apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for small businesses and non-profits to be able to apply for low-interest loans. That request has been approved. Loans can be used to deal with fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills. For more info: call 1-800-659-2955.
- Secretary of State Frank LaRose is working with the courts and state legislators to extend the Ohio Primary until June 2.
Public Health - Dayton and Montgomery County and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley held their daily afternoon news conference.
Here are the key points:
- The deadline for filing your City of Dayton income tax has been extended to July 15, Mayor Whaley said
- Avoid using alcohol, tobacco or other illegal substances to deal with stress. Consult ADAMHS
- Avoid calling 9-1-1 because you think you might have COVID-19. Call your primary care physician or Urgent Care
- Employers should consider methods beyond requiring workers to have a note about a negative COVID-19 test or a doctor's note before allowing those workers back on the job
- If your child's fever is over 104 and he/she is having trouble breathing, call your pediatrician
- Call Dayton Children's Hospital hotline, 1-833-746-KIDS, to speak with nursing staff for information
- Beginning Monday, Children's is opening its Sick Child Clinic for families that don't have a pediatrician. It's a place for a family to get an evaluation for their child.
- Call your child's school if you haven't heard from your child's school. Then contact the Montgomery County Education Service Center, 937-225-4598
The Ohio Department of Health has a collection of tools that can help:
This or That: Prevention. Learn more on our website: https://t.co/vg4tN6d7vM #COVID19 #COVID19OhioReady pic.twitter.com/E2Om7vGgtf
— Ohio Dept of Health (@OHdeptofhealth) March 19, 2020
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