May 1 is the target date which Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine plans to start the process of reopening the state and its economy.
“It’s not that we’re reopening the state, in that sense,” DeWine said Thursday afternoon. “But we want to do it in a way that engenders confidence in the people of the state of Ohio.”
He didn’t announce many additional details — including no update on what that means for K-12 schools throughout Ohio, which are currently closed until May 1. More information on the plan for K-12 schools will be announced early this week.
Under President Trump’s three-phase plan, reopening schools falls under phase two “for states and regions with no evidence of a rebound…”
“Social distancing, the use of masks…that’s still not something we’re used to at all in Ohio or even the U.S. So, the use of masks and people being able to be honest about when they’re sick and businesses allowing people who are ill to stay home and not risk losing their job. I know those are all very important measures people are being discussed and considered,” said Krista Wasowski, Medina County Health Commissioner during her weekly interview with us on Wadsworth Community Radio.
“Our experience with COVID-19 has truly been an evolving situation. Ohio has done an incredible job to flatten the curve and we are working closely with the state to maintain this momentum, especially as we enter into the next phase in our fight. As businesses begin to open back up in the coming weeks, we are going to hear a lot more about face masks, social distancing and great hygiene as part of our new normal. We know there will be some uncertainty around these changes and we are taking all your calls and emails to heart.”
The above map displays confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 by zip code in Medina County as of April 17, 2020. This map and more information regarding COVID-19 can also be found at www.MedinaHealth.org.
