On July 30, the state reported 1,733 new cases. Currently, the 21-day average is 1,037 cases a day.
The governor also spoke more about an order that will require K-12 schools to create a reporting system for parents to notify the district of positive coronavirus cases, saying more information should be available this week.
“We are still working on the language of the order and expect to issue the order this week,” he said.
Under the order, schools will also notify local health departments of all student and staff cases on a weekly basis, which will then be reported to the state.
Cases will be listed on the state coronavirus website each Wednesday.
DeWine said the main goal of the order is to ensure that parents are notified if their child was in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus and if someone in their child’s building tested positive and to make sure the public is aware of cases in their local school districts.
Anand Shah, an Ohio State University student from Centerville, join the afternoon press conference to discus what it’s like going to back to school during the pandemic.
“I would say that students really have taken it by the horns,” he said.
Shah said he’s seen multiple students wearing masks and making sure to keep 6 feet of space from each other while still coming together as Buckeyes.
“Campus is more together than ever,” he said.
DeWine cautioned against large groups getting together for the Labor Day holiday.
“Remember, in the weeks after July 4th, we averaged close to 1,500 cases per day – we believe in large part because of Independence Day gatherings,” DeWine said. “Please stay safe this weekend.”
The Ohio Department of Health is reporting 124,610 total cases of coronavirus and 4,165 deaths in the state.
Deaths increased by 27 Tuesday, more than double the 10 deaths reported Monday.
The state saw 103 hospitalizations reported Tuesday, bringing the total to 13,479. ICU admissions increased by 14 to 2,975.
There have been 104,024 presumed recoveries.
The governor noted last week that the state typically sees lower numbers at the beginning of the week due to staffing over the weekend.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted gave an update on the state’s plans to expand broadband services in Ohio.
He announced that 951 K-12 Broadband Connectivity grants have been awarded, which aims at increasing internet access to students.
There was $83 million requested out of $50 million available, Husted said.
Schools with requests under $20,000 receive the entire amount requested. Those requesting more received the first $20,000 and will receive 60% of the remaining amount requested.
DeWine is continuing the search for a new health department director following Amy Acton’s resignation. The governor said his administration has been talking to a few people, but that there’s nothing to announce yet.
“This is an important position,” he said. “The role is even more essential today in the pandemic.”
DeWine announced Thursday that baseline saliva testing at assisted living centers have been halted after facilities noticed inconsistent results. The state is working to figure out why there have been inconsistencies through controlled validation testing.
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