COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Thursday, Gov. Mike DeWine held a briefing with the latest update on Ohio's response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Here were some of the items the governor addressed:
Portage County in the red
DeWine announced that there are five counties in Ohio that are at Level 3 (red) on the Ohio Health Advisory System. Among those counties on the list this week is Portage County.
DeWine pointed to gatherings at off-campus housing and Greek housing at Kent State University as the main reason why the numbers in Portage County have increased. The county's number of average daily cases has increased from an average of just over five on August 26, to nearly 11 on September 4.
The governor says 51% of the cases reported in Portage County this month have been from people under 29 years old.
Halloween is coming
DeWine says his administration is working on guidelines for Ohioans to stay safe with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing.
"Halloween celebrations this year will not look like those in years past. Face coverings must be worn, social distancing should be practiced, large groups should be avoided. And stay home if you are sick," DeWine said during his Thursday coronavirus briefing.
DeWine says the state is developing guidance that will be shared soon on coronavirus.ohio.gov to help communities and families plan.
New additions to the COVID dashboard
The state of Ohio's coronavirus site is now equipped with a Schools dashboard, giving parents and caregivers information to make decisions about their child’s education and social interactions.
The dashboard shows new and cumulative COVID cases reported to schools by parents/guardians and staff. You can filter by county or school district and it includes students and staff.
There is also now a Children and COVID Dashboard on coronavirus.ohio.gov. This dashboard includes information about cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.
