Complete Story
06/24/2020
Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky COVID-19 Updates
Ohio State Press Conference Summary: 6/17 - 6/23
Governor DeWine announced the creation of two public awareness campaigns aimed at spreading awareness of COVID-19 prevention measures that impact the well-being of Ohioans and the Ohio economy. The first campaign, called “I Believe,” focuses on real Ohioans and the prevention measures they take to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The second campaign, called “Up to All of Us,” focuses on the importance of taking proper preventative precautions, such as maintaining social distance and washing hands, to get Ohioans back to work and Ohio's economy working again.
In response to an increase in cases in certain areas of the state, Governor DeWine announced that pop-up testing sites will surge into the zip codes with the highest number of cases. Testing at pop-up sites is free, and citizens are not required to live in the community where the pop-up site is located to receive a test. A list of sites currently scheduled in Ohio is available on the Get Tested for COVID-19 page.
Lt. Governor Husted announced that because most of Ohio's economy is now open, the Coronavirus JobSearch website will transition back to Ohio's regular job-search website, OhioMeansJobs.com. OhioMeansJobs.com currently has over 120,000 job postings, with almost half paying over $50,000. Approximately 76,000 jobs require less than a bachelor’s degree, while 36,000 require either a bachelor’s degree or associate degree. Approximately 77 percent of the job openings are considered in-demand.
Ohio continued to see an increase in new COVID-19 cases, with an average of 620 new cases per day over the last 7 days compared to an average of 407 new cases per day over the previous 7 days.
Michigan State Press Conference Summary: 6/17 - 6/23
Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-127, which extends the state of emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic until July 16. In doing so, Governor Whitmer joins nearly every state in the country in maintaining a state of emergency to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. This executive order will allow her to continue taking action to protect Michigan families and workers. With the reduction in COVID-19 case counts, Governor Whitmer has relaxed restrictions over the last several weeks on business activities and daily life. On June 1, she announced that most of the state would move to Phase 4 of the governor’s Start plan, allowing retailers and restaurants to resume operations. Hair salons and other personal care services followed two weeks later. And on June 10, the Upper Peninsula and the region surrounding Traverse City were moved to Phase 5 allowing for the reopening of movie theaters, gyms and bowling alleys.
Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-129, which extends a previous Executive Order allowing public bodies to conduct public meetings remotely during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Order 2020-129 expires on July 31, 2020. Under Executive Order 2020-129, public bodies subject to the Open Meetings Act, including boards, commissions, committees, subcommittees, authorities, councils and nonprofit boards, can use telephone- or video-conferencing methods to continue meeting and conducting business during the COVID-19 public health crisis, so long as they follow certain procedures to ensure meaningful access and participation by members of the public body and the general public. The order also temporarily authorizes public bodies, departments and agencies to use technology to enable remote participation in public comment and hearings, and temporarily excuses school boards from monthly meeting requirements.
Michigan saw an increase in new COVID-19 cases, with an average of 206 new cases per day over the last 7 days compared to an average of 79 new cases per day over the previous 7 days.
Kentucky State Press Conference Summary: 6/17 - 6/23
Governor Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s commissioner of public health, spoke about updated guidance beginning next week for many venues, including restaurants and bars as well as wedding venues and gatherings of 50 or fewer people. “Next Monday, just about everything in the commonwealth will be open, from bars, wedding venues, public pools and even Kentucky Kingdom,” the Governor said. Beginning June 29, people can begin gathering in groups of 50 or fewer people. Adherence to rules on social distancing, mask use and sanitation remains critically important, and people in more vulnerable categories should continue to avoid such gatherings. “Despite reopening, there are small things we have to do until we get a vaccine or treatment,” Dr. Stack said. “Continue to socially distance, wear face masks, wash hands frequently and do temperature screenings at work and places of business.”
Governor Beshear announced his intention to move the commonwealth back to the successful Kynect state health care exchange. In 2013, Kentucky implemented a state-based exchange, known as Kynect. About 500,000 newly eligible people were enrolled in Medicaid coverage and Qualified Health Plans, making Kynect one of the most successful exchanges in the nation. However, Governor Matt Bevin dismantled Kynect in 2017, forcing people to use the federal exchange. The Governor said the state system will save $2.8 million to $3.8 million the first year, and $7.8 million to $8.8 million annually thereafter.
Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman updated Kentuckians that 421 households have now been helped by the Team Kentucky Fund and the total value of the assistance given currently stands at $350,215. There are currently 398 applications that are pending for approval. To apply, go to Community Action Partnerships’ website.
Kentucky saw an increase in new COVID-19 cases, with an average of 187 new cases per day over the last 7 days compared to an average of 160 new cases per day over the previous 7 days. Day-to-day numbers still fluctuate.
