President Donald Trump has announced tougher guidelines for all Americans to follow for the next 15 days, dealing with the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
The guidelines unveiled Monday afternoon (March 16th) are:
1) All Americans who can work from home are urged to do so.
2) Americans should not gather in groups of more than ten people.
3) Schooling should be at home
4) Discretionary travel and social visits should be avoided.
5) Anyone who is sick should stay home – and those who live in the same home as an ill person should self-quarantine.
6) Older Americans should stay home and avoid crowds and eating out in restaurants.
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At Monday afternoon's press conference, it was also announced that U.S. researchers have given the first shot to the first person in a test of an experimental coronavirus vaccine Monday — leading off a worldwide hunt for protection even as the pandemic surges. The tests will involve 45 individuals and will take months, and possibly one year, to know if it is successful enough for it to be used as a vaccine for the general public.
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In Ohio, Governor Mike Dewine has ordered the closing of all fitness centers, gyms, recreation centers, movie theaters, indoor parks, and bowling alleys, at end of business March 16th.
Dewine also announced he will plan to extend voting until June 2nd, adding it will require a lawsuit in Franklin County to enact the change.
Monday evening, a Franklin County Judge rejected the state's lawsuit to change election day. As of now, in-person voting will be held March 17th.
DeWine and Secretary of State say Tuesday's primary election will not go forward, despite the court ruling.
"The only thing more important than a free and fair election is the health and safety of Ohioans," the duo said in a joint press release just after 9pm.
"The Ohio Department of Health and the CDC have advised against anyone gathering in groups larger than 50 people, which will occur if the election goes forward. Additionally, Ohioans over 65 and those with certain health conditions have been advised to limit their nonessential contact with others, affecting their ability to vote or serve as poll workers.
"Logistically, under these extraordinary circumstances, it simply isn't possible to hold an election tomorrow that will be considered legitimate by Ohioans. They mustn't be forced to choose between their health and exercising their constitutional rights."