The alarming rate in coronavirus cases across the state of Ohio in the last few weeks has caused Governor Mike DeWine to address the critical stage of the state and the pandemic in a rare afternoon address. 

According to the state's COVID-19 dashboard, the state has reported a total of 51,046 coronavirus cases from early January through the end of June - however, in the first 11 days of November, the number of cases in Ohio has skyrocketed to 51,659 cases.

Wednesday's case total was 5,874, along with 76 deaths.

DeWine started by discussing the possibility of a vaccine fight against COVID-19. 

He said until the vaccine is available, as Ohio sees the third wave, Ohioans must continue to be vigilant and fight through this dark time. 

All counties in the state have a high incidence and stated that mask-wearing works.

DeWine said mask-wearing is no longer an option and issued a new mask policy with three new provisions. 

  • Stores must have a sign stating masks must be worn.
  • Stores are responsible for making sure all customers and employees are wearing masks.
  • A task force will mandate enforcement of the updated mask order.

The task force will be called the Retail Compliance Unit and will help ensure all businesses across the state have mask enforcement.

The first violation is a written warning.

A second violation will mean businesses will be closed for 24 hours.

DeWine said Ohio restaurants and bars might also be forced to close.

He said that he might have to close bars, restaurants, and gyms if things do not get better. 

DeWine said that it is impossible to eat or drink in public with a mask, and while he knows how this will hurt businesses, but said that saving lives is more important.

He discussed how Ohioan's actions would determine if our schools and colleges can remain open. 

He called for Ohioans to do the basics, social distancing, washing of hands, and said that schools and hospitals are all at risk unless the numbers can be reduced.

The governor discussed the number of cases in November, saying the number of cases of going up "almost four times."

The Governor also discussed the 3,000 patients in the hospital and the 700 people in the ICU. 

DeWine posted on his Twitter account before his announcement, "Once again, we're seeing alarming numbers in Ohio. Another 76 deaths have been reported, bringing our total fatalities to over 5,600. Thousands of new people have been diagnosed."

During the first week of November, 104 people died from the virus. 

He discussed the nurses and doctors working at the hospitals and the physical and mental stress it is taking on the staff. 

DeWine said the state needs to pull together and do what is needed to save lives, saying it is a moral obligation for Ohioans. 

"When you're going through Hell, keep going," said DeWine, quoting Winston Churchill during World War II.