Editor's Note: This article will be updated as often as possible to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. (Last updated: 5/21, 2:25 p.m.)Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced Thursday that all sports may resume skills conditioning on May 26 and that wedding receptions may resume June 1.While low- and non-contact sports, such as golf, baseball, softball and racquet sports have been allowed, skills training and conditioning such as weight training and agility for contact sports such as football are allowed to resume May 26. School facilities may be used if allowed by local school districts. Miniature golf, batting cages and bowling alleys are also able to resume operations May 26 if they can meet safety protocols.Wedding receptions, catering and banquet facilities are also allowed to reopen June 1. These facilities must follow similar guidelines to restaurants, such as social distancing.Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a new Urgent Health Advisory that replaces the state's current "Stay Safe" order, which was put in place April 30. Called "Ohioans Protecting Ohioans," the urgent health advisory represents a new phase in Ohio's COVID-19 response."We're now moving from orders to strong recommendations," said DeWine. "This is a new phase in our battle against the virus. The virus is with us, and it is dangerous. This new phase is about learning to live with the virus."The new guidelines encourage six feet of social distancing, a limit of 10 people for mass gatherings and other precautions and sanitation efforts. It also lifts travel restrictions, though unnecessary travel is not encouraged. Furthermore, Ohio's most vulnerable, including people who are 65 and older, who have underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, compromised immune systems and obesity, are also encouraged to stay home.DeWine said the R0 number, or the average number of people who catch the disease for every one person infected, is now 1:1. It was previously 1:2."Ohioans have avoided overwhelming the hospitals," says DeWine. "We have flattened the curve."Gov. Mike DeWine responded to photos that circulated over the weekend of packed patios of bars and restaurants in Cleveland and Columbus not following social distancing rules. The governor said an Investigative Unit from the Department of Public Safety would "surge in to conduct safety compliance checks in crowded bars and restaurants" and "citations could result in the revocation of liquor licenses."There was no press conference today.Ohio offered guidelines for reopening things such as childcare centers, pools, gyms and campgrounds today.The dates for these facilities are as followed:May 21 — Campground ReopeningMay 22 — Horse RacingMay 26 — GymsMay 26 — Non- Or Low-contact Sports LeaguesMay 26 — BMV ReopeningMay 31 — Day CampMay 31 — Childcare CentersGuidelines and safety protocols are available coronavirus.ohio.gov. The state of Ohio has also allocated $60 million in federal CARES Act funding in grants to childcare providers.Today, retail reopened in the state of Ohio. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted reported about 90% of the state's economy.Massage, tattoo and piercing services may also reopen on May 15, along with salons and restaurant patios.The state of Ohio will reopen restaurants May 15 for outdoor dining and May 21 for dine-in service. Bars are included if they can comply with the guidelines.Some of those guidelines include the following:-Restaurants and bars creating a floor plan that allows for social distancing;-Customers may be asked to wait in cars for their table;-Buffets will be served to customers;-Entryways will have information about COVID-19 symptoms and customers will be asked to self-monitor; and-Emplyees will be required to wear masks and gloves when safety regulations allow.Furthermore, salons and barber shops will also reopen with limited waiting rooms and by appointment on May 15. Other regulations are similar to those of bars and restaurants.There was no press conference today. Media reports suggest DeWine may share more information about the reopening of restaurants tomorrow.Meanwhile, Ohio House Repubicans have motioned to limit Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton's authority . The move would limit health department orders to 14 days.Gov. Mike DeWine announced a $775 million budget reduction in General Revenue Fund spending for the remainder of 2020. The cuts include $210 million from Medicaid spending, more than $400 million from K-12 and higher learning spending and more. The governor said this would help the state avoid tapping in to the rainy day fund for now.Today marks the smallest day-to-day jump in cases in five days.Gov. Mike DeWine said he will announce a roll-out plan with protocols and a reopening date for Ohio restaurants based on guidance from the governor's restaurant group.The governor also made a call for civility among protestors and demonstrators."Come after me. I'm fair game," said DeWine. "Don't disrespect or attack members of our news media who are informing the public. Don't bother the family of Dr. Acton."Gov. Mike DeWine is clarifying the details of the current stay-at-home order, which has been extended to May 29. He is calling it a "stay safe" order. The Governor encouraged Ohioans not to fixate on dates, as he will release new orders throughout the month, he says.Gov. Mike DeWine extended the stay-at-home order to May 29.He also offered updates on the situation in Ohio's correctional institutions, which have been devastated by COVID-19. Much of new PPE, announced yesterday, will go to the institutions.Gov. Mike DeWine announced the acquisition of 4.1 million pieces of PPE, including 500,000 N95 masks, 850,000 face shields, 750,000 surgical-type masks and 2 million non-medical gloves.The governor also released guidance for Ohio high school graduation ceremonies. The most preferred ceremony is a virtual event through an internet platform. The second is a drive-in ceremony, where students pick up a diploma from a designated location. Finally, gatherings of 10 socially distanced people or less at a time are admissible but not encouraged. Graduation parties are also not encouraged for the time being. A more detailed summary can be found at the Ohio Department of Education's website Furthermore, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted clarified the confusion over masks and face coverage. Customers are encouraged, but not required to wear face coverage. Employees, however, are required to wear face coverage while on the job, unless an employee is prohibited by law, regulation, safety best practices or health reasons from wearing a face covering."We don't want you to comply because you have to," says Husted. "We want you to comply because you care about each other."Dr. Amy Acton also said the reason the state is not reporting recovery data is because there is no agreed upon definition.Gov. Mike DeWine reversed his stance on the mandate that all customers must wear masks when entering a retail space. He said his move was inspired by a conversation with a mother with a son who has autism and could not wear a mask. Wearing a mask is still recommended, and a business may choose to deny entry to customers or business partners if they do not wear face coverage.Furthermore, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted is creating two groups to assist with the reopening of Ohio's economy. One group will focus on best practices and guidelines for restaurants, and the other will focus on beauty salons.Today is also the final day for voting. All votes must be cast by 7 p.m. at your local Board of Elections office.Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled his plan to reopen the state of Ohio today. The plan represents a small step forward but no where near a full reopening."You've done an amazing job staying home and staying apart. It's mattered and you've gotten the job done," said DeWine. "But the coronavirus is still here, and it's just as dangerous as it's ever been."The first round of reopening is staggered throughout the month of May.On May 1, nonessential surgeries and procedures, which had been ordered to halt on March 17, can resume as long as the patient does not have to stay over night. Dentists and veterinarians may also reopen. On May 4, manufacturing, distribution and construction companies will be allowed to open. Finally on May 12, some consumer, retail and service businesses will be able to reopen.Restaurants and bars, beauty salons and day care programs are not included in these reopenings. DeWine also said if you can work at home, you should work at home.The stay-at-home order, other than going to work or visiting these retail spaces, will remain in place through May. Gatherings larger than 10 people are also still banned.All businesses, including ones that have been open and not following them, must follow certain protocols. The protocols, which follow a philosophy of "no mask, no work, no service, no exception," include:1. Employees and customers wearing face coverage at all times;2. Employers and employees conducting daily health assessments;3. Maintaining good hygiene;4. Cleaning and sanitizing surfaces regularly; and5. Limiting capacity to meet social distancing guidelinesWhile there is no mask mandate, customers can be refused service and entry if they don't wear a mask.Gov. Mike DeWine announced a plan for the state to be able to produce 22,000 tests per day by May 27 through a public-private partnership.By Wednesday, the state will be able to produce 7,2000 tests per day. By May 6, that number will grow to 15,000 and then to 18,000 by May 13.After a shortage of testing due largely to not having enough swabs and labs not having enough access to reagent, a testing chemical, the state has partnered with Cleveland's Road Dental laboratory will produce up to a million swabs in the coming week and with Thermo Fisher, which has 1,500 employees in Ohio, to expand access to reagent. DeWine had announced on Monday that the FDA had approved a new source of reagent.DeWine also announced a new contact tracing tool. When a patient tests positive for COVID-19, health care professionals will explore the web of people the patient has come intoclose contact with. Those patients will be asked to quarantine and then get tested if they show symptoms."We're going to isolate [the virus] and kill it so it will not spread," said DeWine.Finally, the governor also announced an alteration to the state's foster care program that will allow children who turn 18 years old during the coronavirus pandemic to retain their foster care benefits for the time being.Dr. Amy Acton got the day off today, according to Gov. Mike DeWine.DeWine further explained easing the elective surgery ban. Surgeries that may reduce the risk of sever symptoms, preserve life, preserve limbs or organs and more are allowed.Mark Weir, director of Oho State University’s Ecology Epidemiology and Population Health Program, Infectious Disease Institute also announced that virus can live in the air for up to three hours. The virus can live on surfaces such as stainless steels, plastics and more for up to 72 hours without being disinfected. He also suggested thicker HVAC filters, freezing and cooking foods and wearing masks to lower risk of obtaining the virus.Ohio has lost about 1 million jobs since the coronavirus shutdown, says Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. Nationally about 25 million jobs have been lost. Due to a lack of tax money, Husted also said the state's rainy-day fund will likely not be enough to fill the states need.At least 10 Greater Cleveland nursing home facilities have 10 or more cases, the Ohio Department of Health announced Wednesday. This is the first accurate count of nursing home cases after last week's numbers were redacted due to inaccurracies.Ohio's juvenile corrections system confirmed its first case of coronavirus today.The governor also shared information on a 24-hour, COVID-specific mental health hotline at 1-800-720-9616.Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he is still unsure of what exactly will reopen May 1. The Governor said his goal is to get the highest numbers of employees back to work in the safest way possible. He did say that large-scale gathers such as concerts and sporting events will reopen later.Dr. Amy Acton said Tuesday that Ohioans should expect to live amongst coronavirus for at least 18 months.Expanded testing is key to reopening Ohio. DeWine announced Tuesday afternoon that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved chemicals that would allow Thermal Fisher Scientific help the state expand testing capabilities.DeWine also said that while fair state and county fair season may not be able to open this summer, a grant program will expand its support of local county fairs, which are still incurring costs.Ohio schools will continue distance learning for the rest of the year, said Governor Mike DeWine. The governor cited continuity issues and the ongoing threat of the virus.A decision has not be made regarding schools resuming in the fall, but Ohio schools are already planning for social distancing and other precautions. One potential solution would be a "blended system," where students undergo both in-person and distance learning. Every district will handle it differently, says DeWine, and no decisions have been made yet.Though much of this portion of the press conference was obstructed due to technical issues, DeWine announced a Minority Health Strike Force, which will focus on confronting the disproportionately large number of African American citizens being affected by COVID-19.2,400 inmates and 244 prison workers have tested positive for the coronavirus after the state conducted mass testing at three facilities. These numbers add up to 23% of all confirmed cases in Ohio. At the Marion Correctional Institution, for example, 73% of inmates have tested positive.Many of these inmates are asymptomatic, something which many experts believe points to the possibility that a large portion of the civilian population may unknowingly have coronavirus.Ohio Governor Mike DeWine shared more details about reopening the state on May 1.The philosophy for the path forward includes businesses operating safely with safeguards, public health measures and compliance and protecting the most vulnerable, says the governor."We are trying to get Ohioans back to work and at the same time protect Ohioans," said DeWine. "We don't think that's mutually inconsistent. Because you've stayed home and flattened the curve we're in a much better position and ready to move into the next phase."Precautions will include employees who can work from home continuing to work from home, checking employee's temperatures, practicing more social distancing even farther than six feet, limiting how many people allowed are allowed in retail stores and much more."This virus will remain out there, and our life has to be guided by that," says DeWine.In the past 24 hours, 693 new cases have arisen. Dr. Amy Acton said those number shouldn't be alarming as it points to the state's expanded testing capabilities.“I really hope no one at home thinks this is going to be wide open on May 1," says Acton. "I know that’s hard to hear, but we’re not going back to normal on the first of the month.”It was also announced that Acton was awarded the Spirit of Columbus Award, which honors someone who has shown "extraordinary compassion, commitment and courage during this unprecedented challenge," by the Columbus Foundation.DeWine announced Thursday that he plans to begin reopening Ohio on May 1, the day the current stay-at-home order ends. While Ohioans will face the threat of coronavirus until a vaccine is developed, he said, the economy must restart to avoid further health issues such as drug abuse and homelessness.A task force will determine exactly how the state reopens and will implement precautions such as taking temperatures, wearing masks, wiping surfaces and more."The world that we're going to see is a different world," DeWine said.He did not give details for when sporting events will again take place or when kids will return to school.Ohio saw one of its biggest one-day jumps in cases so far, nearly 500 new cases, just one day after talk of a peak. Additionally, more than 40 people died, though Dr. Amy Acton said there is a lag and some of these people could have died days or even weeks earlier.Governor Mike DeWine said he asked industry leaders to submit plans for reopening by this time next week. Best practices will be based on essential businesses that have remained open throughout this shutdown period.DeWine announced an expanded partnership with Battelle to sanitize N95 masks for law enforcement and EMS agencies. The state had previously partnered with the Columbus-based company to sterilize health care providers' equipment.Director of health Dr. Amy Acton predicted Ohio's peak, which looks more like a plateau due to Ohio's flattening of the curve, to come Sunday, with an estimated 1,607 new cases.The state of Ohio submitted a new 1135 waiver to the federal government that would allow Ohio to bolster teleheath services, promote safe distancing, ease obstacles for nursing home care and more.Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther presented details about the city's new alternative healthcare sites, which includes a 1,000-bed care center at Columbus Convention Center. The Governor announced the construction of six sites last week, including one in Cleveland at Case Western University Health Education Center "Our greatest hope is that we never have to open this alternative care center, but we have to be prepared to make sure we are protecting the health and safety of Ohioans," says Ginther.Dr. Amy Acton signed a new order mandating that first responders, who lack proper Personal Protective Equipment, are supplied the name and address of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 in order to properly protect themselves.Acton said Ohio is moving toward reopening but must take gradual steps and continue social distancing. Experts expect flare-ups to continue across the state in the coming months, the director of health said."We're at the top, the flat part, of our first peak," said Acton.Lt. Governor Jon Husted also announced 31,000 job openings among employers who have created safe work environments for employees.Both Husted and DeWine gave some indication of what the future could look like. DeWine tweeted: "As we reopen #Ohio , people will have to be very, very careful until we get a vaccine. You'll have to weigh benefit vs. risk. You will have to make sure you're wearing a mask when you go out, continue social distancing, etc. #COVID19 is not going away until we get a vaccine."“Don’t we all wish we knew the answer to that?” said Husted, responding to frequently being asked when Ohio was going to re-open. “We do.”Dr. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health, said today's numbers were promising as evidence that Ohio is flattening the curve.After thanking churches for hosting virtual services on Easter Sunday, Governor DeWine issued an order to require long-term care facilities to notify within 24 hours if a resident or staff member is infected.The Ohio National Guard was dispatched to Pickaway Correctional Institution, where one prisoner has died. They will provide "triage support, such as taking temperatures and helping with non-COVID19 cases," says the Governor.The Governor also prohibited sales of liquor in border counties with Pennsylvania, which has recently banned sale of liquor during the coronavirus, for people who don't have a valid Ohio license.Dr. Acton also stated that Ohio will not be "flipping a switch" to go back to normal. Practices such as wearing masks could last for the next year, she said.Protestors could again be heard throughout the press conference.

April 10 (5,836 Confirmed Cases, 227 Deaths, 1,755 Hospitalizations)

The state is now reporting “probable positive” cases. Today’s count was 42 people. There are likely an additional four people dead, as well. More than 58,000 people have been tested.

“The science is evolving,” DeWine said. “The count is evolving.”



JobsOhio has also purchased more than 3,100 cases of hand sanitizer from Ohio distilleries.



April 9 (5,512 Confirmed Cases, 213 Deaths)

About 70 protestors gathered outside of the Statehouse today. The demonstrators argue Governor DeWine and Dr. Acton do not have the right to shut down the state and should re-open businesses, schools and more.



Estimates are lower than originally expected as the death toll rises to 213.



“Things are not as bad as they could have been,” said Governor DeWine. “Things have turned out better and that’s very good news. Why are the modelers projecting something different than they did weeks ago? Because of all of you. Ohioans have made a difference. Ohioans have done a bang-up job.”



The Governor also stated that the hospitalization rate is now the key indicator that the Department of Health is monitoring. The governor said he would share details for potentially reopening the state next week..



April 8 (5,148 Confirmed Cases, 193 Deaths)



April 7 (4,782 Confirmed Cases, 167 Deaths)



April 6 (4,450 Confirmed Cases, 142 Deaths)



April 5 (3,3739 Confirmed Cases, 102 Total Deaths)



April 4 (3,739 Confirmed Cases, 102 Deaths)

April 3 (3,312 Confirmed Cases, 81 Deaths)

April 2 (2,902 Confirmed Cases, 81 Deaths, 802 Hospitalizations)

Eighty-one Ohioans have died of coronavirus, or COVID-19, the Ohio Department of Health announced Tuesday. The total count of confirmed cases has risen to 2,902. At least 802 people have been hospitalized across the state, up hundreds of cases since Monday. The department said the case numbers are believed to be low and beyond, but the hospitalization numbers may be more representative of the outbreak's status, experts say.

"Thank you for what you've been doing, for the sacrifices you've been making," said Governor Mike DeWine in Thursday's press conference. "You're making financial sacrifices and personal sacrifices. Your life has changed. You're making family sacrifices...It's not particularly easy for anyone. But we have to stay in this. We cannot let what we have accomplished, and we have accomplished a lot. We are in a decent position, a lot better than we could have been. But we are still in this. This is not over yet."

These numbers have increased from 39 deaths and 1,933 total cases since Monday.



April 1 (2,547 Confirmed Cases, 65 Deaths, 679 Hospitalizations)



March 31 (2,199 Confirmed Cases, 55 Total Deaths)



March 30 (1,933 Confirmed Cases, 39 Total Deaths)

Governor DeWine extended the order to close K-12 schools through May 1 as the death toll rises to 39.



A judge ruled for Planned Parenthood to keep abortion clinics open.



Ohio Department of Health's director of health Dr. Acton stated that she expected a peak of cases in mid- to late-May.



March 29 (1,653 Confirmed Cases, 29 Deaths)

The Food and Drug Administration approved Columbus-based Battelle’s request to sterilize 80,000 N95 surgical masks per machine per day.

March 28 (1,406 Confirmed Cases, 25 Deaths)



March 27 (1,137 Confirmed Cases, 19 deaths)

Governor Mike DeWine signed lawmakers’ coronavirus bill Friday as the death toll rises to 19.

The state could see as many as 10,000 new cases of COVID-19 per day at peak surge, says Dr. Amy Acton.



March 26 (867 Cases, 15 Deaths)



March 25 (704 confirmed cases, 10 deaths)

Lawmakers pass a coronavirus package as 10 people are confirmed to have died of COVID-19, including two in Cuyahoga County.



The bill allows the state to respond to the coronavirus outbreak with sweeping measures. In addition to letting high school seniors graduate, helping independent contractors earn benefits, ensuring water services will not be shut off and waiving in-person requirements for teachers and government officials, the bill extends primary voting through April 28 and extends that tax deadline to July 15.



"This is just the tip of the iceberg due to our limited testing," said Acton on Wednesday.



March 24 (546 confirmed cases, 8 deaths)

Eight Ohioans have died of COVID-19. Cuyahoga County cases have risen to 167. Dr. Amy Acton predicts the peak will be May 1.



After stopping elective surgeries, bed capacity is currently sitting at 60 percent. Bed capacity in the state needs to be increased by 50 percent, Acton says. Thus, hotel and dorm rooms will soon be turned into hospital units.



"It's all about ICU bed capacities," said Acton on Tuesday, stressing that Ohio is on a similar track to Italy or New York. "Trying to keep people who are being routinely cared for in lesser settings and turning our hospitals into basically expanded ICU settings."



March 23 (442 Confirmed cases, 6 total deaths)



March 22 (351 Confirmed Cases, 3 Deaths)

The state issues “stay-at-home” order, starting Monday at 11:59 p.m. and expiring April 6, as cases grow to 351 in 40 counties.



Without the new stay-at-home order, Acton says there could be up to 6,000 new cases a day.



"Clearly, that would quickly outpace our hospital capability," says Acton.



The order goes into effect Monday at midnight and lasts through April 6 and can be enforced as a misdemeanor offense.



"All the evidence shows that we are at an absolutely crucial time in this war, and what we do now will make all the difference in the world," said DeWine on Sunday. "What we do now will slow this invader so our healthcare system, our docs our nurses will have time to treat the casualties."



March 21 (247 Cases, 3 Deaths)



March 20 (169 Cases, 1 Death)

Governor DeWine announced that 139,468 people filed for unemployment claims last week.



The Cleveland Clinic also instituted stricter visitor regulations on Friday. Almost all visitors are barred from visiting patients. New mothers and children may have one visitor each, and end-of-life patients may have a restricted number of visitors.



March 19 (119 Cases)

Governor DeWine asked courts to limit jail crowding, foreclosure proceedings and evictions today.



"We're definitely on the upslope now," said Acton on Thursday.



DeWine also issued an executive order to expand Medicare services such as behavior therapy, addiction recovery and medical services, allowing them to operate over the phone or digitally.



March 18 (88 Cases)

On Wednesday, DeWine closed salons, tattoo parlors, hair salons and 181 BMV locations at the end of business hours today. Five BMV locations will remain open because they're essential, he said. The Governor also asked law enforcement to not issue tickets for expired license and for a grace period for those with expired licensees.



He also asked that all open businesses in Ohio take the temperature of every single employee every single day before they come to work as well as be "very very aggressive" with cleaning surfaces.



With limited testing, DeWine also said Wednesday that if you believe you're sick or have symptoms just act like you are. That means staying home and keeping everyone who lives with you at home. Tests, which need to be saved for the most critical patients and health care professionals, are not necessary in most cases, unless you're having trouble breathing.



"The most patriotic thing you can do right now is stay home," says DeWine. "With or without testing, the virus is here and lives among us. And we're at war with it. We don't need to go into the battlefield. We simply need to stay home."



The order to limit gatherings to 100 less was also lowered to 50 or less to "conform" to Center for Disease Control guidelines on Monday. People 65 or older, women who are pregnant or with compromised immune systems should not leave their home at all, the Governor said. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump suggested no gatherings of more than 10 people.



March 17 (67 Cases)

Although a judge blocked DeWine’s proposal to move voting to June 2, the primary date passed with no voting as Dr. Amy Acton signed an order closing polls. Furthermore, the Ohio Department of Health requests postponing elective surgeries to clear hospital beds.

MetroHealth joined the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospital in adding testing capabilities. These tests are concentrated on the critically ill but should ramp up to 500 per day in the coming weeks. MetroHealth's test show results in just two hours, according to reports. Cleveland Clinic and UH have also added a second location at the Landerbrook Health Center in Mayfield Heights. While the facilities are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., they've been overwhelmed by patients and each reached their limits by noon.

Furthermore, Cleveland city council president Kevin Kelley announced Monday that the city would suspend evictions "caused by economic hardship resulting from the coronavirus pandemic." Legislation is expected to be passed next week, but a letter to the Cleveland Municipal Housing Court suggested stopping evictions immediately.

With hospitals already at about 75% of capacity this time of year, the Ohio Department of Health requested hospitals and dentist offices delay elective procedures on Tuesday. The Department is defining this as a surgery or procedure that is lifesaving, that preserves the function of an organ or limb, that will reduce the risk of metastasis or progression of disease for cancer or other condition and a surgery that will reduce the risk of progression to severe symptoms to the patient.

It is also requesting PPE such as nasal swabs, latex gloves and other equipment, as hospitals are expecting to have a shortage with an expected surge. The current health care infrastructure can handle a surge of another 25%, and the Department is exploring hotels and nursing homes as makeshift hospitals.

We also celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at home.

March 16 (24 Cases)

With confirmed coronavirus cases now at 50, including 24 in Cuyahoga County and a first in Geauga County, the Governor announced Monday that bowling alleys, movie theaters, fitness centers, gyms, indoor water parks and trampoline parks will close at the close of business today thanks to an order from the Ohio Department of Health.



Governor DeWine also proposed moving the primary voting date to June 2. While DeWine didn't have power alone to do this, a lawsuit was filed Monday in Franklin County and a judge held a hearing. After it was blocked by a judge, Acton signed an order closing polling booths Monday night.



"We should not force them to make this choice between their health and their rights and their constitutional duties," says DeWine. "I do not have the power to extend an election. The statute says this can only occur if we've been invaded. We've been invaded, though that's not what the law intended."



Furthermore, Cleveland city council president Kevin Kelley announced Monday that the city would suspend evictions "caused by economic hardship resulting from the coronavirus pandemic." Legislation is expected to be passed next week, bu a letter to the Cleveland Municipal Housing Court suggested stopping evictions immediately.



Experts said the virus is "all over the state of Ohio" with an estimate at least 100,000 other Ohioans potentially carrying the virus, says DeWine. He's also said those numbers could double in a manner of days.



March 15 (36 Cases)

Ohio Department of Health director Dr. Amy Acton signed an order to close bars and restaurants today as the count for confirmed coronavirus grew to 36.



On Sunday, the Governor said Acton had signed an order closing all bars and restaurants starting at 9 p.m. Carry-out and take out is allowed. This order will in place indefinitely, for no set amount of time.



"If you can walk in, order coffee and a doughnut, and walk out that's fine," says DeWine. "But we can't have people seated and congregating."



DeWine said he would sign an executive order to mitigate the damage and suffering to bars and restaurants by waiving certain penalties and offering benefits (More information can be found at unemployment.ohio.gov). Bar owners can also return high-proof liquors bought in the past 30 days, and F2 temporary liquor permits can be returned.



However, after seeing photos of packed bars over the weekend and knowing St. Patrick's Day is just two days away, the decision was necessary.



"We have to act like this is a war," says Acton. "The blessing we have is every day we do more, we're going to blunt that curve. But we are in the surge. We're going to have multiple Wuhan's in this country."



"[Staying in] is a civic duty," she stressed. "This is not a drill. This is the once in a lifetime pandemic, and everything everyone of us does matters."



March 14 (26 Cases)

Twenty-six cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in the state of Ohio, including the first in Lorain County. The first case in the city of Cleveland has also been confirmed.



After delays in available tests, the Cleveland Clinic has begun in-house, drive-through testing.



It has also developed a way to get results more quickly than existing tests, within hours rather than days. It is currently conducting 500 tests per day and expects that number to double by next week.



The Clinic also partnered with University Hospitals to provide drive-through COVID-19 testing. The on-site testing, which began at 11 a.m. on March 14 for Cleveland Clinic patients and on Monday for UH patients, will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. The location is the jointly-owned W.O. Walker Building in University Circle at 10524 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.



You must have a doctor's order to get tested. If you believe you may be sick, see below for more information and call your healthcare provider before visiting the hospital.



"The entire health care community is coming together by responding with tremendous unity," said Tom Mihaljevic, President and CEO of Cleveland Clinic. "Everyone is looking at us to do what is right, and we will."



The Cleveland Clinic is also in the process of setting up tents to pre-screen patients before entering the facilities.



The city of Cleveland is also temporarily halting water and power shutoffs, according to Mayor Frank Jackson. Jackson also instituted a travel ban for all city employees and for the city's AAU basketball teams.



March 13 (13 Cases)

Thirteen cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in the state of Ohio, including the first in Summit County.



Governor Dewine issued an order for county jails and correctional facilities around the state. That includes no visitation and other protocols similar to what has been instituted in nursing homes. The federal government also approved waivers for Ohio schools that enable schools to continue schools to feed students lunch and breakfast. On Saturday, the Governor closed Ohio's casinos.



The MLB also suspended operations.

March 12 (4 cases)

DeWine banned group gatherings of more than 100 people in a single room at the same time. This ban includes parades, fairs, festivals and more but does not include auditoriums, libraries, medical facilities, public transportation, voting locations and more.



Schools K-12, he said, would also be closed to the students beginning at the close of school on March 15 with no exceptions. Many schools will be attempting to implement distant learning options.



Meanwhile, the Cleveland Clinic had suggested avoiding gatherings of more than 25 people at this point in time.

March 11 (4 cases)

A fourth case was confirmed today in Stark County.



The City of Cleveland announced it would cancel the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Cleveland International Film Festival was also canceled. The NBA also suspended its season.



March 10 (3 cases)

No new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Ohio today.



The Ohio High School Athletics Association also stated that it would host tournaments with no spectators.



March 9 (3 cases)

The first three cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Ohio today. All three people infected are from Cuyahoga County. Governor Mike DeWine declares a state of emergency.



March 8 (0 Confirmed Cases)

Ohio developed its coronavirus test and released protocol on who will be tested. The state announced it will prioritize the most vulnerable people, including the elderly, people with pre-exisitng conditions and health care workers.



March 6 (0 Confirmed Cases)

Ohio established a coronavirus call center for anyone who has questions or concerns about the spread of COVID-19. That number is 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.



March 4 (0 Confirmed Cases)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine canceled the Arnold Classic Sports Festival, one of Ohio’s largest public gatherings with more than 200,000 visitors from 80 countries, due to coronavirus concerns and in compliance with Center For Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines.







Below, we've curated tips from the Center for Disease Control, the Ohio Department of Health, the Cleveland Clinic, cleveland.com and more. As the pandemic continues, we'll be updating this page with all of the information you need to know to keep yourself and your family safe.

Fever

Cough

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Persisten pain or pressure in chest

New confusion or inability to arouse

Blush lips or face

For more frequently asked questions in both English and Spanish, including who is most at risk, how the virus is spreading, whether or not you should wear a mask and more, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov COVID-19, or the coronavirus disease 2019, is an upper respiratory tract disease caused by one of the seven coronaviruses known to infect humans, according to the Ohio Department of Health. People who recently traveled to China, South Korea, Japan, Iran or Italy, as well as people who care for patients with COVID-19, are at highest risk. It is also believed that elderly people and those with pre-existing conditions are most at risk.The Ohio Department of Health recommends calling your healthcare provider if you have all or some of these most common symptoms. If you already have an appointment, call ahead so the healthcare provider's office can take the necessary steps to prepare and wear a face mask to the facility. This list is not all-inclusive.

For more info on when to contact your provider, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.



What Are The Cleveland Clinic's Guidelines For Visiting Ohio Locations?

The following restrictions are currently in-place.



If you’re sick, have a fever or a confirmed case of COVID-19, don’t visit or accompany a patients

Patients may only have up to 2 people with them at any time.

Visitors must be age 16+.

Visitors can speak with a caregiver about exceptions and special circumstances.

No visitors are allowed from 10 p.m.-8 a.m., unless accompanying a newly-admitted patient.

Visitors must wash their hands, or use hand sanitizer, before and after leaving rooms and hospital buildings.

What Should I Do If I'm Quarantined?

Stay calm and follow these recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health.

Keep your distance by staying in your bedroom, using your own bathroom, wearing a face mask around others.

Have someone else in the home prepare your meals and leave them at your bedroom door.

Don't share bedding, towels, dishes or water bottles.

Do not leave your home unless it's for medical care.

Limit visitors, especially if they have symptoms of fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

Limit contact with pets.

For more info on when to contact your provider, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.



How Can I Help Someone In Quarantine?

Self-quarantine separates sick, contagious people from those who are healthy, often for up to two weeks. It can be a very scary and isolating experience for those under quarantine as well as their friends and family. Here are a few things you can do to help someone who is isolated or quarantined due to COVID-19.

Call, text or video chat those in quarantine to show your support and to see what they need.

Drop off food or drinks at their door in case they're running low on supplies.

Offer to do yard work, take out trash or recycling or drop their mail at their door.

Offer to run errands to pharmacies or stores for essentials, including food, household items or pet supplies.

Bring games, books or other comfort members.

For more information on how to help those in quarantine visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.



How Can I Disinfect If Everyday Supplies Run Out?

Here is some guidance from the Ohio Department of Health.



Use a diluted household bleach solution mixture, if appropriate for the surface, of 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners.

Use an alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol.

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Discard gloves after use, or, if reusable gloves are used, they should be dedicated only for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces for COVID-19 and no other purposes. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.

Clean hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

For more information on how to disinfect, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov



What Should I Buy To Prepare?

You don't need to panic. If you're trying to stock up for a potential 14-day quarantine, here are some items you can buy.



Nonperishable food items such as canned fruit, beans and vegetables, canned or powdered milk, broths, soup, protein products such as fish and meat, snack items such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, nuts and granola bars, frozen meals and baby food.

Water and liquid with electrolytes such as Pedialyte or sports drinks.

Medications such as prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines such as antacids, cough and cold medicines, pain relievers and vitamins.

Entertainment items such as video games, movies, board games, cards and books.

For more information on how to disinfect, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov *All info from coronavirus.ohio.gov, the Cleveland Clinic, cleveland.com or Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

Who Should I Follow For Local Breaking News?

Here are a few local social media accounts and journalists to follow for news on the COVID-19 pandemic.



Ohio Governor Mike DeWine

The Ohio governor's Twitter account (@govmikedewine) is constantly being updated with information from the Departments of Education, Health and more. His Facebook page is also a great resource.



Cleveland Clinic News

The newsroom for the hospital, which is leading the fight against COVID-19 with groundbreaking testing, is a vital resource for the best ways to protect yourself, find updates on precautions and more. Information can be found on Twitter and at clevelandclinic.org/news.



Ginger Christ

The health reporter for The Plain Dealer is working 24/7 on the ground to provide non-stop updates from local hospitals and government entities on Twitter (@gchristcle) and by filing stories at cleveland.com.



Ohio Department of Education

For updates on school closings and other information, follow the Ohio Department of Education on Twitter (@oheducation) or at education.ohio.gov.



Recent News

Here are the most recent press releases, updates and news reports you need to know.



Coronavirus Can Be Stopped Only By Harsh Steps, Experts Say — The New York Times



Ohio Has 351 Coronavirus Cases, Compared To 1,035 In Michigan: Compare Timeline Of Restrictions — cleveland.com



Preparing for Coronavirus — Cleveland Clinic



Graphics: Why Outbreaks Like Coronavirus Spread And How We Can Flatten The Curve — Washington Post