Complete Story
04/24/2020
COVID-19 Updates for Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky
Ohio State Press Conference Summary: 4/21 - 4/23
Thursday, April 23: Governor DeWine indicated that there would be more detailed information on the reopening process next Monday. The state is following the guidelines sent down by the White House. He clarified that medical procedures that have been delayed would be considered essential if there is a threat to a patient’s life, limb, or organ, or if the delay would worsen the disease or symptoms. Health care providers are being encouraged to contact patients with delayed procedures and reassess their situations.
He discussed that a layering of prevention tactics – wearing masks, six feet of distance, hand washing, surface cleaning – will be important as the state looks to open more businesses. This will be a slow process so that results can be monitored and adjusted as needed.
Wednesday, April 22: Governor DeWine began by stating that doctors and hospitals that have postponed elective procedures and surgeries can now begin to reach out to those patients affected and to make responsible choices as to whether those procedures should be performed.
In regards to the state allowing some businesses to open on 5/1, Lt. Governor Husted stated that they have been consulting with business and medical communities to develop guidelines for businesses to reopen with safety measures in place. Small businesses will be included. All businesses that are open will be responsible for following the safety guidelines.
Tuesday, April 21: Governor DeWine announced that a new COVID-19 testing reagent was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This will allow the state to increase testing capacity. He also announced the formation of a strike team, lead by former Ohio governors Richard Celeste and Bob Taft, that will work to find more reliable resources of reagent and testing supplies for the state.
A partnership was announced between JobsOhio, Peoples Bank (Marietta) and the recently merged First Federal Bank and Home Savings Bank (Defiance/Youngstown) to support those banks’ existing small business clients in Ohio. JobsOhio has committed up to $50 million to assist these banks in serving small businesses. The governor announced that more than 170,000 dividend checks from the Ohio BWC will be mailed this week. These funds are from the $1.6 billion in dividends that was approved for distribution by the Ohio BWC board of directors less than two weeks ago.
Michigan State Press Conference Summary: 4/21 - 4/24
Friday, April 24: This morning, Governor Whitmer signed executive order 2020-59, extending Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order through May 15th. This new executive order will require that people wear a cloth, non-medical grade mask/face covering any time they enter an enclosed public space. Although no one will be subject to criminal penalty for going out without a mask, it is strongly recommended that you abide by this new order. Gov. Whitmer also noted in her press conference questioning earlier that ‘any business has the right to turn away a customer for not wearing a face covering when entering their business if they so choose.’
In addition, this new order requires employers to provide at least a cloth mask/face covering for all their employees and the current strict social distancing order remains in place for all workplaces and public gatherings of any kind at this time.
Executive order 2020-59 will also allow the first wave of workers to return to their previously suspended job activities. These workers include, but are not limited to, landscapers, lawn-service companies, and nurseries/greenhouses. Retailers that do not sell necessary supplies may reopen for curbside pick-up and delivery. Also, big box stores can re-open “closed areas” such as paint and garden areas.
This newest order eases up on some previously restricted recreational activities too, such as golfing (golf carts still prohibited) and motorized boating, but strict distancing must still be practiced during these activities. It also permits individuals to travel between their residences, though this type of travel is discouraged due to rural hospitals not being equipped for an influx of COVID-19 cases.
Wednesday, April 22: Governor Whitmer expanded unemployment benefits yet again with Executive Order 2020-57. The order expands the state’s Work Share program, offering more tools for employers to reduce layoffs. It also extends unemployment benefits to workers who voluntarily left a job after accepting new employment but were unable to start their new position due to the pandemic.
Kentucky State Press Conference Summary: 4/21 - 4/23
Thursday, April 23: Governor Beshear announced that on Monday, April 27, the state will begin the gradual restart and reopening of Phase 1 health care services and facilities, although they will operate vastly different than they did before the outbreak of COVID-19. View detailed guidance.
The governor reminded Kentuckians of the precautions the state is taking in long-term care facilities, including: encouraging all residents to wear masks, cancelling communal dining and social activities, minimizing entry into resident rooms, restricting non-essential personnel from entering the building, daily temperature checks and adopting a lower threshold to transfer ill residents to a higher level of care.
Tuesday, April 21: Governor Beshear announced the launch of "Healthy at Work," a new initiative to help Kentucky businesses reopen safely in the COVID-19 fight.
Healthy at Work offers a phased approach to reopening Kentucky's economy. It is based on criteria set by public health experts and advice from industry experts.
During Phase 1, the Kentucky Department for Public Health will determine whether Kentucky has met certain public health benchmarks for reopening Kentucky's economy. These benchmarks closely follow the White House's Guidelines for Reopening America.
During Phase 2, the Department for Public Health will evaluate individual businesses' ability to safely reopen.
Among other things, each business proposal is required to explain its ability to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees, adequate access to hand sanitizer and disinfectant, and minimal direct contact between employees and the public.
