As he does at his daily press briefing each Thursday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine provided an update on the state's coronavirus risk map.
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When it comes to Cuyahoga, Erie and Medina counties, all three counties remained at Level 3 (red) -- the second-highest level on the four-level map. Meanwhile, Richland County has been dropped to Level 1 (yellow) after previously being at Level 3 a week ago.
DeWine noted that while there are less red (Level 3) counties than there were last week, there are now more counties that have moved from Level 1 (yellow) to Level 2 (Orange). The governor said that while the use of masks has helped slow the spread of the coronavirus in urban areas, the virus is beginning to become more widespread in rural areas.
Previously, a Level 3 designation would have enacted an order for mandatory masks in that county, but DeWine has since issued a statewide order for the use of protective face coverings while in public. Additionally on Thursday, DeWine announced that he is calling on the Ohio Liquor Control Commission to call a meeting to consider enacting an emergency rule related to liquor sales amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The rule would require restaurants to end liquor sales at 10 p.m. each night and for the consumption of any alcohol to end by 11 p.m.
DeWine also updated the state's order and guidance regarding mass gatherings of 10 people. In doing so, he said that any county at Level 3 or higher should limit its gatherings as much as possible.