Ohio is shutting down senior day cares and senior centers across the state to reduce risk of elderly people contracting the coronavirus.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced the order over Twitter on Friday, saying that it would go into effect on Monday. His announcement came after he said that Ohio’s first death from the virus happened in Lucas County.
“Senior Centers: I am signing an executive order today that will go into effect at the close of business on Monday. All facilities providing older adult day care services and senior centers will close,” DeWine said. “I’m assured that each center has taken care to ensure that those who depend on food, will get it. It will be delivered to their homes.”
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I’m assured that each center has taken care to ensure that those who depend on food, will get it. It will be delivered to their homes. #COVID19OhioReady
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 20, 2020
“Our grave concern is about the danger of seniors being together and the spread of #COVID19,” Dewine added.
Our grave concern is about the danger of seniors being together and the spread of #COVID19.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 20, 2020
DeWine said that the state’s fight against COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, entered a “new phase” when attorney Mark Wagoner, Sr., died from it. State officials have confirmed 169 cases of the disease and no recoveries.
“We have now entered a new phase of our battle against the coronavirus,” DeWine said at a Friday press conference. “Yesterday, Ohio had its first death from the coronavirus. It was someone who [Lt. Gov. Jon Husted] and I knew very well. He was very well-respected by everyone who knew him. All of us extend our deepest sympathy.”
