• Says we will be reopening our doctors’ offices and dentist offices
• Announces first positive case of COVID19 among the juvenile corrections population
• Ohio loses 1 million jobs

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has directed health care providers in hospitals and outpatient surgery to reassess the postponed procedures and surgeries by allowing them to take place as the coronavirus pandemic curve continues to flatten in the state.

““Because of your hard work and our health care system’s coming together to meet community needs as a team, we have prevented the massive spike of cases that we feared. Now we must begin the gradual, multi-phased process of reopening,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

“My first concern are the patients who have had procedures and surgeries delayed. They have been waiting. It’s important that their doctors and their hospitals reach out to them. To talk with the patient and see if the procedure can take place.”

Last month, Dr Amy Acton issued an order postponing elective surgery in order to conserve critical Personal Protective Equipment, PPE and clear out necessary bed space anticipated would be needed to care for COVID19 patients.

Governor DeWine said, “I’ve heard stories that some surgeries that we had no intention of stopping have been postponed. That has concerned me a great deal, so we are starting back one step at a time.”

“We ask doctors to review any of the postponed procedures or surgeries with the patient in light of their current health situation and quality life and make a joint decision about whether to proceed.”

“In addition, for new or other chronic conditions that may have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, providers and patients together may consider moving forward with diagnostic procedures.”

He said, “patients must be informed of the risk of contracting COVID19 and that impact during the post-operative recovery process. Patients must have the information necessary to make informed decisions and greater attention to the effectiveness of non-surgical options must be made.”

“Resuming surgeries and procedures I’ve described will take clinical judgment and we will rely on our healthcare providers to make responsible decisions as we move forward.”

“As we continue this phased-in approach, we are working with hospital systems, health care providers, patients, and other stakeholders to determine the next steps. Eventually, we will be reopening our doctors’ offices and dentist offices. Together, we will get back to normal.”

Also, Governor DeWine revealed that, “our director Ohio DYS director notified me that they now have their first positive case of COVID19 among the juvenile corrections population. The youth started showing symptoms on Monday evening and was immediately isolated.”

“The living units do not intermingle, but all of the youth in this individual’s unit are being monitored for symptoms.  Contact-tracing with the Ohio Department of Health and the Cuyahoga County Health Department has also already started.”

According to him, “activity at our juvenile corrections locations has been limited for some time and unnecessary individuals are prohibited from entering the facilities.  Both youth and staff have also been provided with face masks and are required to wear them.”

Meanwhile, Lt. Governor Jon Husted said, “since March 15 we’ve lost about one million jobs in Ohio. Nationally, that number is over 25M. It is projected nationally that unemployment may go to 20%. During the Great Recession: The highest unemployment rate was 10.9%. That seems reasonable compared to these other projections.”

“We also know from past recessions, as unemployment goes up, so does suicide, drug addiction, homelessness, domestic violence, and more health consequences. This is the reality we face.”

“If businesses are not operating and people aren’t working, then state and local government will not have the revenue to serve constituents.”

He said that workers “will be armed in this battle with masks, sanitizer, soap, and six feet of safety. These are strategies that we know will work. We all need to lead by example. The road to recovery will be long and gradual, but with the right precautions, businesses can create a safe environment.”