Ohioans urged to wear masks out in public

SANDUSKY — The state's top officials on health-related matters want everyone in Ohio to take an additional precaution so they don't pass on the coronavirus. Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and health director Dr. Amy Acton called for people to wear cloth masks over their faces while out in public. They made the announcement on Saturday, one day after the CDC publicized a similar recommendation on a federal level. "In many cultures around the world, wearing a mask is just part of the culture. It is a socially accepted act of kindness," DeWine said. "Wearing a mask should not scare people. It is a good thing. It is a considerate thing. It is a courageous thing." Wearing a mask won't prevent someone from contracting COVID-19, DeWine said, but it can stop them from spreading it — especially if they have it but are not yet showing symptoms. DeWine stressed wearing a cloth mask in public "is not mandatory," but it is strongly recommended. "Cloth masks are not a substitute for social distancing, but, rather, it is a complement to social distancing," according to a statement from his office. Guidance on how to make a homemade mask can be found on coronavirus.ohio.gov. Medical supply masks, such as N95 respirators, must be reserved for health care workers, first responders and those who are known to be sick, DeWine said. Anyone with personal protective equipment is asked to donate to frontline workers. To donate, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov. The latest local numbers As of midday Sunday, in Ohio, there are 4,043 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 119 related deaths, according to the governor's office. Furthermore, a total of 1,104 people across the state have been hospitalized, including 346 admissions to intensive care units. The number of cases in the Register's four-county coverage area slightly changed over the weekend: • Erie County has nine confirmed cases, up from six on Friday, with one death. The governor's office indicated eight deaths, but the Erie County Health Department stated there is, in fact, a ninth confirmed case. • Huron County has six confirmed cases, up from five on Friday, with one death. • Ottawa County and Sandusky County, each with five cases, held steady over the past couple of days. In these areas, there are no known deaths related to COVID-19. Firelands Regional Health System is currently treating five hospitalized patients from Erie County and the surrounding areas who have tested positive for COVID-19. The hospital has a total of 97 hospitalized patients. Tests in Ohio are still not available for everyone who wants one, which has apparently kept official statistics low on the number of people infected. It also has hampered officials in getting a clearer picture of the entire pandemic. Register graphic/MICHAEL HARRINGTON The latest worldwide numbers By 6 p.m. Sunday, the U.S. reached 331,000 positive COVID-19 cases, according to the Johns Hopkins internet dashboard. With an exact count at 331,234, it leads all other countries in the world. More than 9,500 people in the U.S. have died from the virus, including about 4,000 in New York, the hardest-hit state. Globally, cases eclipsed 1.2 million and deaths reached above 69,000, according to the New York Times. A new telehealth order DeWine on Saturday also signed an executive order that will allow Ohioans to more easily access telehealth services from individual counselors, social workers along with marriage and family counselors. "In normal circumstances, a patient must have had a face-to-face first meeting (with) counselors and social workers before qualifying for a telehealth appointment," according to a statement. "The providers would also be required to take special training in providing telehealth services. This order will enable those requirements to be removed so that patients can more easily access these needed services." Finding the hotspots Husted on Saturday announced that BroadbandOhio has been working with providers to find public Wi-Fi hotspot locations for Ohioans who may not otherwise have access to the internet from home. A list of hotspot finders and locations by provider is available at Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov/BusinessHelp. You can find it by accessing the "Individuals and Families" tab. Those without internet access are urged to visit a known hotspot to access the complete list.