• 40,000+ jobs on coronavirus.ohio.gov/jobsearch from 642 employers
• Cautions all companies are only buying FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approved anti-body tests
• Provides nearly $5 million in emergency funding from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families

Ohio State Director of Health, Dr Amy Acton has said that the state was looking at a year of using the face mask in the public to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

“These masks are being viewed as another weapon to get back to normal. These are much like the other social distancing actions we’ve taken. We will be looking at a year of using these in new ways,” said Dr Amy Acton at the state daily briefing on COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has cautioned companies in the state to ensure they purchase U.S Food and Drug Administration, FDA approved anti-body tests if they intended using it on their staff and customers.

“We have heard that some companies in Ohio are purchasing rapid anti-body tests to begin testing their staff and, in some cases, their customers.  Anti-body testing is one piece to the puzzle on determining when employees can return to work,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

“However, I wanted to caution all companies looking at this option to ensure they are only buying FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approved anti-body tests.  Without this FDA Emergency Use Authorization approval, there is no way to know if the tests are valid.”

“Many of these testing companies are legitimately in the queue at the FDA for approval, which will help expand the use.  However, I would recommend that you only use companies that are listed on the FDA website.”

According to him, “companies should ask for a letter of authorization from the FDA on their anti-body test kit, which is proof they have been approved. The website and list of new vendors is updated daily.”

Also, Ohio Lt. Governor Jn Husted disclosed that “on Friday, Governor DeWine signed an Executive Order to provide nearly $5 million in emergency funding from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) block grant to support Ohio’s 12 Feeding America foodbanks and the statewide hunger relief network.”

“Of this, $1 million is earmarked for the Agricultural Clearance Program, where the Ohio Association of Foodbanks will purchase Ohio-made commodities, such as milk, to distribute to food banks across the state,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted.

“An additional $1 million has been granted to the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio to help Ohio’s homeless shelters purchase needed cleaning supplies and also provide homelessness prevention and housing services.”

“Just because we’ve been able to identify these dollars, it doesn’t mean all of the problems are solved in the long run. Please continue your generous donations to food banks.”

On vacancies in the essential jobs sector, Lt. Governor Husted said, “as of today, there is still a growing need for those who can work in essential positions.”

“There are 40,000+ jobs on coronavirus.ohio.gov/jobsearch from 642 employers. These businesses all need employees to work during this difficult time that we’re all trying to navigate.