In a rare Monday news conference, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine updated the state about COVID-19 vaccinations saying that the Pfizer had been delayed by weather but was expected to arrive by Tuesday or Wednesday. Moderna shipments were back on track as of Monday, Feb. 22.

The governor then switched to speak about nursing home visitation and the allowance for compassionate visits by family members. 

"Our efforts to protect Ohio’s most vulnerable population are working. Last week, long-term care facilities reported 343 new cases - this is compared to the 2,832 new cases when case numbers peaked in December. We are definitely making progress," DeWine stated.

When the virus first spread across Ohio starting on March 13 - only healthcare professionals were allowed in the facilities or a family member when a loved one was near death. In June, outdoor visits were added to assisted living facilities, and by July, group activities in nursing homes were added for visitation. However, by September

Federal regulations in September added new criteria for visitations, which includes:

  • No new onset of COVID cases within 14 days,
  • No current testing taking place in the facility,
  • Has a positivity rate of less than 10 percent.

The governor stated that compassionate care visits are allowed, which is not only for the end-of-life visits but for an individual who is suffering, mentality, or declining health.

The compassionate visits list includes a resident who was living with family and moved to a home, grieving for a friend or family member, weight loss, dehydrating because the caregiver can do so; depressed, not speaking, or crying more; or dementia has rapidly increased, or cognitive ability has declined.

DeWine announced that the letter he will be sent to nursing homes to remind the facility to check the county positivity weekly, remind them to allow for compassionate visitations.

Ohio assisted living and nursing homes facilities must report weekly to the State's covid dashboard.

If you need help to visit a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility, call an ombudsman at 1-800-282-1206.

We're seeing positivity rates decrease. Soon, more nursing homes may be able to allow more visitation. I'm sending a letter to each facility to remind them to:
 
Check county positivity rate every week to determine their visitation status.
 
Allow for compassionate care visits.
 
On the numbers, the Ohio Department of Health is reporting 1,611 additional cases of COVID-19 in the state, which is below the three-week average number of cases which is 2,681. There have been 955,378 total confirmed and probable cases since the beginning of the pandemic in the state as of Monday, Feb. 22.

There have 58 deaths from the virus in the state in the last 24 hours, and the number is below the 21-day average of 269. There have been 16,874 deaths from COVID-related illnesses since the beginning of the pandemic. 

There have been 120 hospitalizations in Ohio from the virus in the last, which is 25 below than three-week average of 145. There have been 49,492 hospitalizations from the virus in the state since last year. 16 people were admitted to the ICU for COVID in the last 24 hours, and 16 is the 21-day number.

The governor said those receiving the vaccine in the state would hold at 65 for the time beginning but may add in some additional excepts for inclusion once the state lowers the required age to the 60 years old and older category. As we move forward, the state will open up vaccinations to age 60+, then 55+, then 50+. Those 50+ make up 97-98 percent of deaths in Ohio.

The governor also discussed the underreported 4,000 deaths in Ohio in November and December and said a full report would be released next month to discuss the issue,

Lt. Governor Jon Husted discussed some of the approval of assistance for five projects set to create 1,382 new jobs and retain 978 jobs statewide. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority reviewed economic development proposals brought to the board by JobsOhio and its regional partners. The projects are expected to result in more than $80 million in new payroll and spur more than $51 million in investments across Ohio, including Macy, ’s considering a $29 million expansion project at its warehouse in Mahoning County that would create 417 new full-time jobs and Quicken Loans is expected to create 630 full-time positions, generating $47.3 million in new annual payroll and retaining $94.1 million in existing payroll as