Franklin County health officials say a two-year old boy is the latest confirmed case of COVID-19. The unidentified child is said to be resting at home.
Officials initially identified this as a case of community spread coronavirus. Officials also say the cases of two Ohio State University students have also been confirmed.
Wednesday afternoon Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther declared a state of emergency in the city. The declaration allows him to make unilateral decisions related to the city's efforts combating the coronoavirus, and making sure city employees and contractors are paid.
Ginther says 74% of the city's workforce are "frontline" workers -- police, fire, public health workers and others - and they will remain on the job. 1,300 remaining full-time employees will be sent home with pay. Many will be able to work from home.
The city has suspended enforcement of the law requiring vehicles to be moved after being parked in the same spot for 72 hours to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Some parking meters on High Street in the Short North will be temporarily converted to 30 minutes to allow for food carryout service and pick-up and drop-off. All other parking signage and time limits remain in effect.
