Governor DeWine COVID-19 Banner [ [link removed] ]

*WEEK IN REVIEW*
Saturday, May 15, 2021

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

"For the week ending May 15, 2021"

Throughout the week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted provided updates on Ohio's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other state initiatives.

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First Lady Fran DeWine Unveils New Storybook Trails in Montgomery and Lorain Counties

On *Monday,? [ [link removed] ]*First Lady Fran DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz visited Montgomery County and Lorain County to unveil two new Storybook Trails that teach children about the importance of literacy, a healthy lifestyle, and connecting with nature.

The new trails are located at Sycamore State Park in Brookville and Findley State Park in Wellington.

?There is nothing better than fresh air and a good book, and Ohio?s Storybook Trails offer both,? said First Lady DeWine. ?A focus on early literacy can make a world of difference in a child?s life, and the books featured on these trails were handpicked by the Ohio Governor?s Imagination Library for their easy-to-understand, positive narratives.?

"Everyone loves a good story, and science supports the physical and mental health benefits of getting outside," said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. "Storybook Trails combine the best of both by promoting child literacy and an active and healthy lifestyle ? all in the beautiful settings of Ohio's great outdoors."

?Daniel Finds A Poem? by Micha Archer, which tells the story of a young boy who explores nature and finds poetry in the beauty around him, was selected for display at Sycamore State Park. ?Blue Sky, White Stars? by Sarvinder Naberhaus is featured at Findley State Park. The book celebrates the iconic imagery of the United States, including the American Flag and Statue of Liberty.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Ohio Governor?s Imagination Library and Dolly Parton?s Imagination Library, launched the Storybook Trail program in 2019. There are currently eight half-mile Storybook Trails located at state parks throughout Ohio, each with 15-20 child-height panels featuring pages of a children?s book and an activity to accompany the text on the page.

There are currently 286,184 children enrolled in the Ohio Governor?s Imagination Library, which provides one free book every month to children enrolled in the program from birth to age five. To learn more about the Ohio Governor's Imagination Library and how to participate, visit OhioImaginationLibrary.org. [ [link removed] ]

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Also on *Monday [ [link removed] ]*, Governor DeWine announced that beginning the week of May 23, Ohioans will be required to resume weekly work-search activities [ [link removed] ] as part of future applications for unemployment payments, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Interim Director Matt Damschroder announced .

?Now that Ohioans have had the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and can safely return to work, it only makes sense that we restore work-search requirements for everyone,? said Governor Mike DeWine.

?Ohio business owners are creating jobs faster than people are returning to the workforce,? said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. ?Now that all Ohio adults have access to the vaccine, it?s time to return to the traditional work requirements.?

At the height of the pandemic from mid-March through Dec. 1, 2020, the federal government authorized states to waive work-search requirements. On Dec. 6, ODJFS resumed the work-search requirement for new unemployment claims, while exempting existing claims.

Allowable work-search activities include applying for a job, attending a resume-writing course, or creating and maintaining a reemployment plan on OhioMeansJobs.com [ [link removed] ]. Under Ohio law, some individuals will be exempt from conducting work-search activities, including employees on a temporary layoff of 45 days or less, and individuals in approved training. Additionally, individuals will meet their weekly work-search requirement if they are members in good standing with a union hiring hall that refers its members to jobs. For those in approved school or training, their work-search requirement may be considered met if they are attending all classes and making satisfactory progress.

ODJFS will notify unemployed Ohioans impacted by this change directly, to allow plenty of time to understand the requirements and begin their process of weekly work-search activities.

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Additionally on *Monday* [ [link removed] ], Governor DeWine issued a statement following the approval by the Food and Drug Administration's to administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to those ages 12-15:

"I am encouraged that the FDA has already updated Pfizer?s Emergency Use Authorization to include youth ages 12-15. Following a recommendation, as soon as Wednesday, from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the CDC, Ohio will immediately expand vaccine eligibility to youth ages 12-15 and provide appropriate guidance for parents, guardians, and vaccine providers across the state. Vaccinations are our way back to a more normal life."

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Lt. Governor Jon Husted made stops around the Dayton region on *Monday* to highlight workforce development efforts and to promote the state's?work to champion career, technical and vocational education.

He visited the Upper Valley Career Center for a signing day & tour; the Preble County Development Partnership Workforce Development Committee for a roundtable discussion; Eaton High School for a roundtable; and the Miami Valley Career Technology Center for a roundtable.

Lt. Governor Tour

Also on *Monday*, the Lt. Governor stopped by White Castle?s Corporate Headquarters to check out their employer vaccine clinic in partnership with OhioHealth.

Vaccination Visit________________________________________________________________________

On *Tuesday [ [link removed] ]*,?Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the following bills into law:

House Bill 167, [ [link removed] ] sponsored by Representative Scott Oelslager, provides $465 million in rent and utility assistance.
Senate Bill 28, [ [link removed] ]sponsored by Senator Frank Hoagland, authorizes the use of owls in the sport of falconry.

Governor Mike DeWine Signs House Bill 167.________________________________________________________________________

On *Wednesday* [ [link removed] ], First Lady Fran DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz were among the first to walk along Ohio's newest Storybook Trail at Burr Oak State Park in Morgan County.

"Squeak!? by Laura McGee Kvasnosky was selected as the featured book at Burr Oak State Park. The book describes how one mouse's small squeak sets off a chain reaction that wakes all the animals in the forest from their slumber.

Storybook Trail at Burr Oak State Park________________________________________________________________________

*Wednesday evening* [ [link removed] ], Governor DeWine announced a series of statewide drawings to provide incentives to Ohioans to get a COVID-19 vaccination. With wide access to the life-saving vaccine to help Ohioans safe, Governor DeWine also announced that most COVID-19 health orders would be removed on June 2nd. DeWine made the announcements during a statewide address to Ohioans Wednesday evening.

?For a year, Ohioans have made sacrifices to save lives and keep our state moving forward. What you have done has really worked! And now, we have a powerful weapon that is almost 100 percent effective in beating the virus," Governor DeWine said in his remarks. "Simply put, the vaccine is stronger and better than medical experts ever imagined. And now, everyone 12 and over can use it to protect themselves -- to put an invisible shield of protection around themselves. Everyone can now control their own health?their own destiny.?

*VACCINE INCENTIVES/STATEWIDE DRAWINGS*

In an effort to increase the number of Ohioans who currently have not taken a COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated, Governor DeWine announced a series of statewide drawings to help incentivize vaccinations.

Ohioans under the age of 18 who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be entered into a drawing for a four-year full scholarship to any of Ohio's state colleges and universities, including full tuition, room, and board.

Ohioans aged 18 and older will be entered into a weekly drawing with a prize of up to $1 million.

A total of five weekly drawings for each prize will take place, with the first winners being announced on May 26th. Winners must have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the date of the respective drawing.

The drawings will be administered by the Ohio Department of Health, with technical assistance from the Ohio Lottery Commission, and will be funded through existing allocations to the Ohio Department of Health of unexpended coronavirus relief funds.

Further details and contest rules will be announced by the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Lottery Commission next week during a briefing to news media.

*EXPIRATION OF HEALTH ORDERS*

Governor DeWine also announced that he has asked the Ohio Department of Health to remove most pandemic health orders on June 2nd. The timeline will allow any Ohioan who has not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine to obtain one to protect themselves and others before the lifting of coronavirus mitigation protocols.

?It is time to end the health orders. It?s been a year. You?ve followed the protocols. You?ve done what we?ve asked. You?ve bravely fought this virus," said Governor DeWine. "And now, our cases are down, and we have a tested and proven weapon with the vaccine that all Ohioans 12 and over can utilize.?

Measures being removed will include facial covering protocols, social distancing guidelines, and capacity restrictions for indoor and outdoor events.

Governor DeWine announced that any pandemic health orders that would remain solely relate to either 1.) nursing homes and assisted living facilities, which will also to have federal safety protocols, and 2.) data collection related to the pandemic.

*STATEWIDE ADDRESS REMARKS*

A copy of Governor DeWine's statewide address remarks (as prepared) is available in PDF format via this link. [ [link removed] ]

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Also on *Wednesday* [ [link removed] ], Governor DeWine announced that COVID-19 Pfizer vaccinations will now be available to Ohio?s youth, age 12 years and older, following members of the CDC?s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommending use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for this age group. This follows the FDA?s update of the emergency use authorization (EUA) on Monday to include youth ages 12-15.

?This is promising news for Ohioans, making vaccine available to more people will help us return to the life we want to live. The COVID-19 vaccine is incredibly powerful, and by protecting more individuals, we make everyone safer,? said Governor DeWine. ?We have worked proactively with the American Academy of Pediatrics ? Ohio Chapter, children?s hospitals, and other providers to make sure they would be prepared to begin offering this vaccine to Ohio?s youth. I appreciate all they have done to prepare for this next phase.?

Children under age 18 who are not emancipated must have parental consent for any vaccine. A parent or legal guardian generally should accompany the minor to receive the vaccine, unless the administration of the vaccine occurs in a physician?s office, school-based or school-associated clinic setting or similar setting.

There are hundreds of locations at which youth ages 12-15 can be vaccinated across the state, including pediatrician?s offices, vaccine clinics, local health departments, hospitals, community health centers, and more. However, parents of 12-year-olds should be advised that due to current state law, those age 12 must have a prescription to be vaccinated at a pharmacy. Youth ages 13 and older do not need a prescription and may receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy or any other vaccine provider listed at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov [ [link removed] ]. A bill has been introduced [ [link removed] ]that would permit youth ages 7-12 to receive a COVID-19 or influenza vaccination at a pharmacy without a prescription. Prescriptions would still be required for all other vaccinations for this age group. Members of the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate have passed the bill. Once the bill is signed by the governor, it will immediately go into effect.

The Ohio Department of Health has also released a Frequently Asked Questions for Parents, Guardians, and Youth Ages 12-17 Eligible for the Pfizer Vaccine [ [link removed] ].?

Governor DeWine also announced that anyone age 12 and older can get their first Pfizer dose at the Wolstein Center Mass Vaccination Clinic in downtown Cleveland from May 18 through May 31. Appointments during this time period had initially been reserved for second doses only, but the site will expand to also offer first doses to anyone who has not yet been vaccinated, including those in the expanded eligibility category.

Youth ages 12-17 who are not emancipated must have consent from and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to be vaccinated at the Wolstein Center. Second dose appointments will be scheduled at the time of the first dose, but because the mass vaccination clinic at the Wolstein Center will close in early June, those vaccinated at the clinic from May 18 through May 31 will be scheduled to receive their second dose at an area Discount Drug Mart location.

The state-federal mass vaccination clinic at the Wolstein Center, which is located at 2000 Prospect Avenue and open 7 days a week, has administered hundreds of thousands of vaccines since launching in March. Walk-ins are welcome from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or appointments can be scheduled at?gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov [ [link removed] ]?or by calling 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Parking is free and transportation assistance for those living in Cuyahoga County is available by calling 2-1-1.

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On *Thursday [ [link removed] ],*?Governor Mike DeWine?announced COVID-19 Pfizer vaccinations are now available to Ohio's youth age 12 years and older, following members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for this age group.

Additionally, Ohioans 17 and under who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination will be entered into a drawing for a full, four-year scholarship to any of Ohio's state colleges and universities, including full tuition, room and board, and books. A total of five weekly drawings for a full, four-year scholarship will take place, with the first winner being announced on May 26th. A webpage will be available to register those who qualify.

*FEDERAL PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION*

Governor DeWine announced that the administration will inform the U.S. Department of Labor that Ohio intends to stop participation in the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program on June 26, 2021.

"When the program was put in place, it was a lifeline for many Americans at a time when the only weapon we had in fighting the virus was through social distancing, masking, and sanitization," said Governor DeWine. "This is no longer the case as we now have an abundant supply of vaccines."

The FPUC program gave states funding to offer enhanced unemployment benefits, including an additional $600, and now an additional $300.

?As companies around the globe begin to expand and make new investments coming out of the pandemic, the ability to provide a workforce is emerging as the primary factor in their decisions,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?States that can favorably respond are going to win the jobs that will employ people for years to come.?

Several business associations shared quotes of support [ [link removed] ]regarding this announcement.

*RECOVERY-FRIENDLY TRAINING MODULES*

Lt. Governor Husted announced that the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), RecoveryOhio [ [link removed] ], the Governor?s Office of Workforce Transformation, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and Working Partners? have partnered together to create three new Recovery-Friendly Training Modules.

These training modules will help employers develop their own approach to hiring and retaining employees who are in recovery. The new Recovery-Friendly Training Modules can be found at RecoveryOhio.gov [ [link removed] ] in addition to the five previously launched modules by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce in 2017.

*NATIONAL POLICE WEEK*

The Lt. Governor also highlighted National Police Week, which runs through Saturday, by recognizing the service and sacrifice of Ohio?s law enforcement officers.

*NEW PSA*

Governor DeWine introduced a new public service announcement [ [link removed] ]that encourages Ohioans to get vaccinated, featuring Cleveland Browns Coach Kevin Stefanski.

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On *Friday* [ [link removed] ], Governor DeWine signed?House Bill 6 [ [link removed] ], sponsored by Representative Bill Roemer, which eases burdensome requirements on administering COVID-19 vaccines, increasing the ability of medical professionals and their patients to access lifesaving vaccinations.

Signing House Bill 6________________________________________________________________________

Also on *Friday*, Governor DeWine?issued the following statement directing the Ohio Department of Health to conform the remaining health orders to CDC guidance through June 2nd:

?Ohio will be amending our remaining health orders to comply with the new CDC guidance, which says that those who have been vaccinated no longer need to wear masks, while those who have not been vaccinated should still wear a mask and socially distance.

"The CDC still recommends everyone wear masks when they are in a healthcare setting, when they are travelling on public transportation, including airplanes, and when they are in a business or employer that chooses to require masks. Our order will be amended to reflect these recommendations, as well.

?The most powerful tool we have to protect against the COVID-19 virus is the vaccine. Because of the vaccine, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are decreasing dramatically. The vaccine allows us to live our lives more normally and without fear.

?As I said in my address to Ohioans on Wednesday, the more individuals who get vaccinated, the more the entire state is protected from the virus.? The vaccine is our path out of the pandemic, and it is our best protection against the virus. We are on the offense, and the science is unequivocal: Vaccines are our best weapon to fight COVID-19 and save lives!

?However, not all Ohioans have been vaccinated yet. The June 2nd?date I announced for the removal of health orders provided time for those who had not yet gotten their vaccine to get it. While our order will be amended to reflect the new CDC guidance, it will remain in place until June 2nd.

?Further, we must remember, that we still have Ohioans who are not eligible to be vaccinated, including those younger than 12 years-of-age.? Individuals who have not been vaccinated should continue to wear masks pursuant to CDC recommendations. Businesses also have every right to continue to use masks and to require them for employees and customers.? The experience in other states has been that some individuals may choose to wear masks, and many businesses, schools, hospitals, and other employers may choose to require masks in their buildings. That will remain their choice.

?Regardless of the new CDC guidance, this fact remains clear: The most powerful thing anyone can do to end this pandemic is to get vaccinated.?

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Additionally, Governor DeWine has ordered [ [link removed] ] that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio from sunrise to sunset on May 15, 2021?in accordance with the orders issued by the President of the United States of America to honor Peace Officer Memorial Day and Police Week.?

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Governor DeWine issued the following statement?on the death of former Ohio Representative Otto Beatty, Jr. died.

?Fran and I were saddened to hear about the death of Otto Beatty, Jr.

?Otto Beatty, Jr. was a dedicated public servant who worked to make things better for the Central Ohio community and the state. He was a proud father, a successful lawyer, a businessman and a community leader.? And, he loved being able to spend time with family and friends on our beautiful Lake Erie.

?Otto was a wise and respected public servant. His death is a great loss to Ohio.? He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on through his family and their dedication to public service.??Fran and I extend our deepest condolences to Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and are keeping the entire Beatty family in our thoughts and prayers."

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As of Saturday, there have been 1,090,276 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio. Additionally, 19,528 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths have occurred. A total of 57,956 people have been hospitalized, including 7,974 admissions to intensive care units.

*CASE DATA/VACCINE INFORMATION*

In-depth COVID-19 data for Ohio:?coronavirus.ohio.gov [ [link removed] ].?

Ohio's central vaccine scheduling system:?gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov [ [link removed] ]

All vaccine providers:?vaccine.coronavirus.ohio.gov [ [link removed] ]

More vaccine information:?coronavirus.ohio.gov/vaccine [ [link removed] ]

For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit?coronavirus.ohio.gov [ [link removed] ]?or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

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*MEDIA CONTACT:*
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957



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