Ohio Continues to Confront the Coronavirus

COLUMBUS—Ohio and America are facing a global pandemic, announced State Representative Brett Hillyer (R-Uhrichsville).

As of Wednesday afternoon, Ohio has 88 confirmed cases of coronavirus with one in Tuscarawas County. It is expected that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases will grow.

Today Governor Mike DeWine announced the closure of barbershops, hair dressers, nail salons and tattoo parlors and all but five Bureau of Motor Vehicle deputy registrars across the state. Also among announced closures this week include that of gyms, fitness centers, movie theaters, bowling alleys, recreational centers, trampoline parks and indoor water parks.

On Sunday, DeWine announced the closure of all restaurants and bars with the exception of carry-out and delivery.

While decisions like these are made to help to slow the spread of the virus, closing businesses will bring unprecedented consequences for the livelihoods of many Ohioans. In order to assist those directly impacted, DeWine issued an executive order making changes to Ohio’s unemployment law and state agency policy to enable workers who do not have paid leave benefits to access unemployment benefits during the period of the emergency. For more information on the details of the order, please visit https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/dewine-orders-ohio-bars-restaurants-to-close.

In addition, DeWine called for the closure of schools and limited access to nursing homes last week.

DeWine and other public health leaders continue to urge Ohioans to do everything they can to protect each other and help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Ohioans can do this by practicing these preventative measures:

• Frequently wash and scrub your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds
• Practice social distancing by staying home or maintaining at least six feet of space between you and others
• Cough or sneeze into your arm or shoulder; or, use a tissue and wash your hands afterward
• Clean surfaces and objects that are touched often
• Make a habit of NOT touching your face

For more updates and to answer any further questions regarding the coronavirus, please visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-427-5634. 

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State Representative Brett Hillyer is serving his first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 98th District, which includes Tuscarawas County and part of Holmes County.

For more information, contact the office of Rep. Hillyer at (614) 466-8035 or Rep98@ohiohouse.gov.