Ohio Governor Mike Dewine made an unusual direct address to Ohioans late this afternoon, as the number of COVID-19 cases and hospital admission rises. But there were no new public orders, and no suggestion that penalties for violations might increase.
In the early days of the pandemic, Ohio was held up as a national example of success in slowing the spread of coronavirus. But with the reopening of the economy the number of cases has increased, and Ohio is now seeing double or even triple the number of daily cases as was reported a month ago.
Citing the spiraling pandemic in Florida and Arizona, DeWine warned that "once things move down hill, it goes very very quickly."
Ohio has seen a spike of 20,000 new cases of COVID-19 in the past three weeks, with daily highs not seen since the state conducted intensive testing in congregate settings like nursing homes and prisons. Multiple cities, including Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Dayton have passed mandatory mask legislation.
But enforcement of the orders has been problematic, with many police departments saying they will not enforce new regulations.
And DeWine has faced push back from fellow Republicans, who instead call for fewer regulations and greater freedoms.
