With an “unprecedented spike” in COVID-19 cases in Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Wednesday enhanced measures to slow the disease from spreading.
"In Ohio, we are seeing an unprecedented spike in hospital utilization, and it is impacting all areas of the state,” incoming Ohio Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said in a Nov. 9 press release.
Between Nov. 6 and Nov. 9, the state saw 500 COVID-19-related hospitalizations, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Since then, the state tally has neared 3,000, with 700 cases in intensive care. During the first week of November, 104 cases resulted in death.
On Wednesday, the governor revived the mask mandate and urged tougher social distancing rules. Stores must post signs warning customers to wear masks and must enforce the rule among customers and employees. The new Retail Compliance Unit will inspect businesses for compliance, issuing written warnings on first offense and closing the store for up to 24 hours on the second offense.
“As we wait for the vaccine, which could come as soon as December, we have so much to protect,” DeWine said. “What each Ohioan does in his or her own life impacts every citizen and every place we desperately want and need to keep open— our schools, nursing homes, hospitals and businesses.”
The governor also tightened social distancing rules at banquets and parties. Banning open congregate areas, he ordered attendees to remain masked and seated “unless they are actively consuming food or drinks.”
Bars, restaurants and fitness centers are open for now, but the governor promised to reassess that position in a week.
Ohio Zone 2, encompassing Knox and other central and southeastern counties, is reporting 560 hospital cases as of Monday, up from 400 a week ago.
Knox County Health Commissioner Julie Miller told the Mount Vernon News on Tuesday that failure to wear masks triggered the spread, and she appealed to business leaders to stress their importance to employees.
"Nine months into the pandemic we have let our guard down,” Miller said in a statement. “People are not wearing masks. They are not social distancing. As a community, we need to take care of one another. It’s time to step up and mask-up!”
Since Nov. 1, the County has recorded 200 COVID-19 cases, nearly equaling October’s numbers and reaching four times October’s total, Knox Public Health said. Twenty-five of those patients were hospitalized.
