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COLUMBUS - Ohio’s children who receive free meals through school will continue to receive that food, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday.

Each school district will determine the best method for delivering those meals. The option is available because of a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Thursday.

DeWine also wants schools to continue to educate students during the three-week period when buildings will be closed. School buildings will close after class on Monday and remain that way until at least April 3.

What that education looks like will vary from district to district. Some schools might offer online classes. Others might send schoolwork home.

"We do expect our schools to keep the learning going," DeWine said.

13 positive cases

DeWine detailed these changes Friday afternoon. At that point, 13 people – 8 men and five women – had tested positive for COVID-19, the infectious disease from the novel coronavirus. Individuals ranged in age from 34 years old to 66 years old. The median age is 48 years old.

Four people have been hospitalized because of the disease.

The cases were found across Ohio, including Belmont, Butler, Cuyahoga, Stark, Summit and Trumbull counties. Four relatives tested positive and were treated at West Chester Hospital in Butler County.

Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton estimated that 1 percent of Ohio’s population, more than 100,000 people, could have coronavirus at this point.

"It’s going to feel a lot like whack-a-mole," Acton said. "It’s going to be all over every county."

The goal of canceling school and other large gatherings is to minimize the spread of the virus. If too many Ohioans become sick too quickly, that could overwhelm the state’s hospital system.

Election to continue in Ohio

DeWine, who voted early in Xenia Friday, encouraged residents to vote in the primary election.

Local boards of elections will be open this weekend for in-person voting and to collect absentee ballots.

March 14: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

March 15: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

March 16: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Voting hours on Tuesday are from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Polling locations have been moved from nursing homes to alternative locations. The state is still seeking more poll workers after officials said 500 citizens contacted the secretary of state about working the election.

Child care sites remain open

School closures don't extend to child care centers and in-home child care sites for now. But DeWine encouraged parents to consider alternatives if they are able.

"We know how difficult this would be for many Ohioans," he said. "(Daycares) pose a unique risk. It's hard to enforce the six-foot rule and children share things."

State officials plan to relax child-to-teacher ratios in anticipation of staff shortages.

No visitors at jails

No visitors will be permitted at Ohio's jails and community-based correctional facilities.