Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, provided the following updates on Thursday afternoon about Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
PPE PROCUREMENT AND MANUFACTURING:
Governor DeWine announced that through the Ohio Manufacturing Alliance, 19 manufacturers have partnered with three hospital groups to begin large scale production of face shields. Over the next five weeks, 750,000 to 1 million face shields will be added to the Ohio Department of Health stockpile.
The face shield production is part of Ohio’s unique strategy to buy PPE when it is available, make PPE when it cannot be purchased, and use technology and innovation to identify ways to make Ohio’s PPE supplies last.
“These face shields will make a difference as we fight this invisible enemy,” said Governor DeWine. “The Ohio Manufacturing Alliance sent out a call for help producing PPE and more than 1,500 manufacturing companies responded. This reinforces what we know about Ohio companies, they are generous and will answer the call when needed. Together, we are going to protect our protectors and strengthen our manufacturing sector.”
Manufacturers who can help with PPE production should visit RepurposingProject.com for more information. Those with donations should visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.
CONVALESCENT PLASMA:
Lt. Governor Husted announced that The Christ Hospital Lindner Research Center in Cincinnati has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin treating high-risk COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma.
This treatment protocol is the only protocol that incorporates a readily available, rapid turnaround (less than 1 hour) blood test that reflects risk of dying and can identify patients before it’s too late.
“Hospitals in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland have all expressed interest in participating in the treatment protocol,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “This is another great step in our efforts to save lives”
CURRENT OHIO DATA:
There are 5,512 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 213 deaths. A total of 1,612 people have been hospitalized, including 497 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Video of Thursday’s full update, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.
For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
Source: State of Ohio news release
