Governor DeWine Press Conference Summary for Wednesday, March 25

Below are the updates from yesterday’s press conference with Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Dr. Acton. Today’s press conference is scheduled for 2:00 PM.  You can watch this on the Ohio Channel, Ohio Public TV (PBS stations), and other Columbus-based outlets.   

Here’s the news from March 25:

• In Ohio there are 704 confirmed cases, 75 ICU admissions, 182 hospitalizations, and 10 deaths as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  There are confirmed cases in 55 counties across the state.
• Governor DeWine thanks the General Assembly for the unanimous bi-partisan support of HB 197, which passed earlier today. This bill will ensure continuity of government, extended mail-in voting for our primary, clarity for schools and students, relief to workers, and measures to make sure we are prepared to help Ohioans get back to work when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. You can download the Amended Bill and the Senate GOP Synopsis .
• CALL TO ACTION: Much of HB 197 can be attributed to the feedback and guidance from our association partners across the state. If your association would like to provide a letter of support for the decisive action taken by Governor DeWine and the General Assembly, please consider sending it to Haylee.Dunahay@Governor.Ohio.Gov by Friday, March 27^th at 10:00 AM.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation has cut red tape related to obtaining or renewing commercial drivers licenses (CDLs) and other licenses that are vital to the efficient movement of essential goods across the state and country, while ensuring that safety standards are still being followed. Find the waiver HERE.
• The Development Services Agency (DSA) has secured approval from the US Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) to extend the Winter Crisis Program from March 31 to May 1, and to extend the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) from March 31st to June 1st. For more information on these utility assistance programs, please visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.
• Essential businesses do not need a specific letter or certification to maintain operations. However, Lt. Governor Husted does recommend that businesses create their own documentation with rational for staying open and what measures they are taking to implement safe workplace practices and social distancing protocols. Additionally, guidance for essential businesses and operations employers. can be found HERE.
• Ohioans can apply for unemployment benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It is also possible to file by phone at 877-644-6562 or TTY at 888- 642-8203, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.

As always, Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH are great resources for those who have questions.