Gov. Mike DeWine to unveil ‘next phase’ of Ohio’s coronavirus plan, including new school guidelines: Watch li

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Gov. Mike DeWine is slated to announce what he calls the “next phase” of Ohio’s coronavirus reopening process during his 2 p.m. Thursday briefing, including issuing new state guidelines for schools.

The governor has also promised to disclose what restrictions will be included in a new health order, as well as details on the seven metrics state officials are using to determine the state’s coronavirus response, including where to deploy COVID-19 tests.

Coronavirus cases are again on the rise in Ohio. On Wednesday, more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state, marking the highest single-day increases in cases since April. Ohio’s urban areas are driving the recent increases, particularly in Southwest Ohio.

DeWine has said his health guidelines for Ohio’s 600-plus school districts to follow when reopening in the fall won’t be mandatory. In general, the state has left it up to each school district to decide on its own plan.

After imposing a “stay-at-home” order and closing “non-essential” businesses in mid-March, the DeWine administration has been gradually rolling back restrictions during the past month.

Mass gatherings of more than 10 people are still prohibited, though there are a number of exceptions (such as weddings, funerals, protests, and church services). DeWine’s administration has also set up mandatory guidelines for a variety of economic sectors to follow, including for bars and restaurants, campgrounds, hair salons, and casinos.

DeWine’s announcement comes as several Ohio cities are imposing or considering rules requiring every person in public to wear a mask. The governor said in a statement Wednesday that such ordinances are “an appropriate and welcome response,” though to date he hasn’t disclosed any state-level rules for wearing masks.

One announcement DeWine won’t be making Thursday is ordering bars to be closed again. It’s a step several other states have taken recently as coronavirus cases mount, but DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney said Wednesday that closing bars is not on the agenda.

Watch the governor’s briefing here:

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