With much trepidation preceding Governor DeWine’s Press Conference this afternoon, we can be somewhat relieved that his announcements came as more of a presentation and a warning than of regulations and further restrictions.

“Ohio is sliding, and we must not be complacent regarding this deadly disease” was the message, with “Masks must be worn if we want to resume any aspect of normalcy this fall,” as the order of sorts.

Having said that, he cited statistics of the exponential rise in positive cases and fatalities due to the virus, with numbers spiking at a rate equal to (and in some cases greater than) they had been at the start of the pandemic.

As a result, his plea for Ohioans to wear masks in public setting – ALL public settings – is that much more important.

For a summary of the press conference, see below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 15, 2020
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957
Jill Del Greco: 614-644-0957
Governor DeWine Implores
Ohioans to Unite to Prevent
Spread of Covid-19
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—In a statewide address from his office in the Statehouse tonight Governor DeWine said that the state is at a critical point in the COVID-19 pandemic and implored Ohioans to take appropriate action to reverse the rapidly increasing spread of the virus.

“Today, more Ohioans are getting sick than at any previous point in this pandemic. We are sliding down a very dangerous path, with our once flattened-curve starting to sharpen and spike,” said Governor DeWine. “This is a worrisome, disturbing reversal of our progress -- a jarring reminder of just how quickly our fate can change.”

Governor DeWine commended Ohioans for doing their part at the beginning of the pandemic. However, with positive cases increasing, he reminded Ohioans that the choices they make today will impact the spread of the virus in the coming weeks. During the speech, grounded in scientific evidence and data , Governor DeWine reminded Ohioans about the efficacy of facial coverings to protect themselves, loved ones, friends, neighbors and other citizens. He also renewed the call to socially distance and limit public gatherings.

“I am calling on all Ohioans to once again unite. We must work together, support each other, and help each other through this challenging time. I’ve seen you do this. I know you can do this. Ohioans can continue to help our most vulnerable, while also protecting ourselves and our families. Together, we can be the Ohio where our hospitals are not overwhelmed, where our schools can open, where sports can start, and where our economy can continue to grow, Governor DeWine added. A video of the address is available on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page . For more information about Covid-19, including testing locations, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov .
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