COLUMBUS, Ohio — “I’m ordering an immediate hiring freeze in state government. For all of these, the only exception will be those who are directly involved in fighting the coronavirus, and for whatever we need to do that. That obviously takes priority,” said DeWine.
Governor Mike DeWine announced new freezes Monday — including a temporary hold on all state contract services.
- He’s asking his departments to cut spending by 20%
- Lt. Gov. says we're doing the "belt-tightening" early
- Dr. Acton says they’re prioritizing Telehealth to cut down on face-to face contacts
Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted explains, “We’re laying the financial foundation now to prepare for the long haul. We are doing the belt-tightening very early on, to help create the best possible long-term safety net that government can be there.”
Husted says they’re being pro-active in Ohio, but are still being caught up in Washington gridlock.
Meanwhile, as clusters of community spread begin to appear in nursing homes, Director of Health Dr. Amy Acton says they’re prioritizing Telehealth to cut down on face-to face contacts.
“We now know that some of the greatest spread is happening in our nursing homes and hospitals, and our visits — keeping short on PPE, we know that we can have potentially a provider going to multiple nursing homes, and then to a hospital. And that has been a source of spread we’re learning all around the country,” said Acton.
She maintains that the best thing to do for public health is stay home.
“The lockdown that you’re hearing about, which is really just a stay-at-home order, is crucial in these next few weeks.”