COVID

The number of COVID-19 cases has been decreasing in recent days.

Ohio Dept of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff says data shows younger, unvaccinated Ohioans are the ones who are hospitalized in serious condition these days.

This bill doesn't go as far as a previous bill that has stalled in the state legislature.

A spokesman for Ohio's restaurant industry says such mandates create confusion and uncertainty.

The Ohio Department of Health reports the number of cases now rivals last winter's surge.

Gov. Mike DeWine says school leaders, in particular, need to require students and staff to wear masks.

A spokesman for the Ohio Hospital Association says contingency plans are being made.

And it's free in many places.

Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Dept. of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff made that point this afternoon in a news conference.

Dr. Bruce Vanderhhoff says masks are a good way to prevent COVID spread.