• Freezes hiring in state government
• Plans cut back in government spending

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has called for recognition staffs in nursing homes as “doing a heroic job” at this time of combating the coronavirus pandemic in the state.

“I am hearing amazing stories from the front lines. Staff are working tirelessly to take care of residents. The folks in our nursing homes are doing a heroic job,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

“Our hospitals have been hard at work. We’re doing some testing in house, some through private labs, though private labs are lagging. We need hospitals to report their data immediately to @OHdeptofhealth and @Cdcgov.

He encouraged healthcare providers to take advantage of telehealth, adding that, “If anyone is at home sick, ask about everyone in their household. If anyone is sick, the entire household should be in isolation.”

“Everything we can do without having face to face is important because some of the greatest spread is happening in our nursing homes and hospitals.”

Governor DeWine reiterated that, “the most important thing we can all do right now is stay at home unless you are absolutely essential to those lifelines of food, water, transportation, our front line workers. This is the real world we are living in.”

Also, Ohio State Health Director Dr Amy Acton said, “we are in a situation in the short term where we must do everything in our power to keep people home. We have to slow the spread. The #StayHomeOhio order is crucial. We have got to stay home while we stop spread and build hospital capacity.”

She disclosed that number of death in the state has risen to 6 and confirmed cases are now 442, adding that  “Illness onset date range:  02/07/20 – 03/23/20; Age range:  <1 – 93 years, median 52 years; Sex:  209 females (47%), 233 males (53%); Number of hospitalizations:  104; Number of deaths:  6 and Number of counties with cases:  46”

Meanwhile, Governor Mike DeWine has ordered a hiring freeze in state government.

“The only exceptions are for positions that provide direct response to COVID19, safety and security, and direct care or institutional services,” said Governor DeWine.

“I have already ordered a freeze on state employee travel.  That remains in effect with exceptions for those staff providing direct response to COVID-19.”

He added that the administration has pulled back spending requests for a variety of projects that needed legislative spending authority.

“The sooner we cut back spending, the more impact it will have.”

Governor DeWine encouraged Ohioans to “have courage and hold on to what is good.”

That stay at home order declared by the state will take effect midnight Monday, March 23, 2020.