Updates from Governor DeWine’s Press Conference -COVID-19 Update – July 30, 2020

Below are the updates from Governor DeWine’s press conference yesterday.  The next press conference is currently scheduled for Tuesday, August 4th at 2:00 PM.

 Ohio’s COVID-19 case data is below:

    • 84,862 confirmed cases
    • 4,764 probable cases
    • 89,626 total cases
    • 10,678 hospitalizations
    • 3,177 confirmed deaths
    • 265 probable deaths
    • 3,442 total deaths
    • 2,534 ICU admissions
    • More data is available on the COVID-19 Dashboard HERE.
    • Remaining at Level 3 (Red): Allen, Cuyahoga, Erie, Fairfield, Franklin, Hamilton, Licking, Lucas, Henry, Lawrence, Marion, Medina, and Montgomery
    • Downgraded from Level 3 to Level 2 (Orange): Clark, Defiance, Hardin, Athens, Clermont, Delaware, Pickaway, Scioto, and Union
    • Downgraded from Level 3 to Level 1 (Yellow): Richland
    • There are no counties on Ohio’s Watch List

 

  • After seeing outbreaks associated with bars across Ohio, Governor DeWine announced that he has asked the Ohio Liquor Control Commission to call an emergency meeting to consider enacting a statewide emergency rule to limit liquor sales at establishments that serve alcohol for on-site consumption. The rule would prevent the sale of alcohol at these liquor-permitted establishments beginning at 10:00 p.m. each night. On-premises consumption must end by 11:00 p.m. Businesses may stay open, and establishments that sell food can continue serving meals until closing.

  • Separately, Governor DeWine is also asking the commission to raise the number of liquor and mixed drinks permitted to be purchased for carryout with a meal from two drinks to three drinks. The Ohio Liquor Control Commission will hold its emergency meeting tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. If the emergency administrative rule is approved, Governor DeWine will sign an executive order making it effective tomorrow night.

 

  • Governor DeWine announced that Ohio will separate its mass gathering guidance into its own order. Mass gathering guidance was most recently referenced as part of other orders, and combining this information into a stand-alone order will allow citizens to easily find guidance on holding gatherings in a safe manner. Mass gatherings in Ohio remain limited to 10 people. The order will still permit Ohioans to go to work, worship, go to school, and acquire goods and services, however, this order will offer clear recommendations on safely holding gatherings.

  • Ohioans filed 27,937 initial jobless claims last week, according to statistics the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) reported to the U.S. Department of Labor today. This was 246,278 fewer than the peak earlier this year. Ohioans filed 423,452 continued jobless claims last week, which were 352,850 fewer than the peak earlier this year. Over the last 19 weeks, ODJFS has distributed more than $5.7 billion in unemployment compensation payments to more than 764,000 Ohioans. Of the more than 1 million applications the agency has received, about 94% have been processed, with about 6% pending.

  • Ohioans can apply for unemployment benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It is also possible to file by phone at 877-644-6562 or TTY at 888- 642-8203, Monday through Friday 7AM to 7PM, Saturday 9AM to 5PM, and Sunday 9AM to 1PM. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.

 

As always, Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH are great resources for those who have questions.