• 36 pairs of gloves used to care for 1 patient in ICU

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has thrown more light on why the state ordered non-essential or elective surgeries to be postponed during this emergency of combating the outbreak of coronavirus, saying that “in over a 24-hour period, on average, 36 pairs of gloves are used to care for one patient in intensive care.

“This is why we have ordered non-essential or elective surgeries to be postponed. This is why I have asked dentists and veterinarians to conserve their supplies. This is why we are asking private businesses who use this equipment – like the construction industry – to conserve their supply in order to share it with our first responders,” Governor Mike DeWine said.

Personal Protective Equipment, PPE include the masks, gloves, gowns, face shields and goggles that are needed for the first responders.

He said that “our commitment is to do all we can to get first responders what they need.”

“If our hospitals are overwhelmed thousands of Ohioans will not get the care they need. If our nurses and doctors get sick, if they die because we do not have facilities to protect them, that is a personal tragedy for them and for all of us.”

“As we have watched different countries and other states, it is important for us to remind you of our goal to flatten the curve. We have to do what we are doing so our healthcare system is not overwhelmed. Not only for #COVID19 patients but also for other emergencies.”

Meanwhile, fatalities from COVID-19 has risen to eight in the state, with 564 confirmed cases in 49 Ohio counties out of 88 and 145 hospitalizations.

On when to allow businesses to reopen and for people to go back to work as being projected by President Donald Trump for before Easter, Governor Mike DeWine said, “I’ve been asked if I had a reaction to the President’s statements. I think we are aligned. We want to get this over with as soon as possible. We want people back at work. The frustration he has, I share it. Each day we can’t move forward is frustrating. We’re all in this together.”

He added that developments in the state will be considered to take such decision.

“Every single day I think about those of you who are unemployed. I think about the small businesses. I know that each day that goes by that you don’t have income is very, very tough. And I fully understand that.”

“When people are dying and people don’t feel safe, the economy is not going to come back. We have to flatten the curve so that when the wave comes, it’s not as big as it would have been, and we are prepared for it.”