Duwve, who will start around Oct. 1, will replace Dr. Amy Acton, who resigned in June after leading Ohio through the initial stages of the coronavirus pandemic.
Duwve is currently health director of the state of South Carolina and previously served as chief medical officer for the Indiana health department. An Ohio native, Duwve earned her undergraduate degree from Ohio State University, a master’s in public health from University of Michigan, and a medical degree from Johns Hopkins University.
Ohio’s coronavirus case numbers continue to climb, hitting a total of confirmed and suspected cases to 134,086 on Thursday, the state Department of Health reported. That is an increase of 1,121 cases over Wednesday. The state also reported a total of 4,354 confirmed and suspected deaths and 14,164 hospitalizations.
In Montgomery County, two new cases were reported Thursday, bringing the cumulative total to 6,824. In Montgomery County, deaths total 140 and hospitalizations total 808 since the pandemic began.
DeWine said that six counties, including Butler, Mercer, Montgomery and Preble, are in the “red zone” for high case numbers per capita. For many counties, university campuses are the sources of outbreaks.
Wittenberg University President Michael Frandsen said it appears that the virus is spreading within social circles, rather than classrooms.
DeWine acknowledged that the college experience includes social gatherings but urged students to be responsible.
“ It should not surprise any of us that this happens,” DeWine said. “The burden that college presidents carry and that universities carry is to try to convince the students that, look, the only way you’re going to have a year on campus, nine months on campus, is if everyone tries to do what we need to do: wear a mask out in public, keep the distance.”
DeWine said the statewide mask order won’t be lifted anytime soon, warning that would lead to a flare up of cases. “This is a fight we’re in. We can’t let the virus off the floor.”
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most. There is help. Call the national hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or Ohio's Careline at 1-800-720-9616. pic.twitter.com/6tfSj7Onzx
— Ohio Dept of Health (@OHdeptofhealth) September 10, 2020
DeWine, Fran DeWine and Jon Husted started off the press conference by getting flu shots and encouraging Ohioans to do the same.
The DeWine administration also noted Hunger Action Month and World Suicide Prevention Day.
Those in crisis can reach out for help by texting 4Hope to 741741, calling the national suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255 or the Ohio care line at 800-720-9616.
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