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Latest coronavirus updates: Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Mike Vielhaber

ODOT signs encourage drivers to stay home.

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and last updated

CLEVELAND — All of the updates on the coronavirus and the impact it's having on our way of life can be hard to keep up with. To help you stay on top of it all, we'll post this daily blog on our homepage. You can find all of our stories, and a map of Ohio cases, on our coronavirus page.

10:54 PM

News 5's Taneisha Cordell looks into how a local couple is celebrating St. Patrick's Day in spite of Gov. Dewine's ban. More here.

10:22 PM

Cleveland recreation centers closed after order from Gov. DeWine. More here.

10:14 PM

The Cleveland Clinic announced they are changing the process of how to test people for coronavirus. More here.

9:59 PM

Cleveland State University postpones commencement due to coronavirus concerns. More here.

9:30 PM

News 5's Amanda Van Allen looks into how you can support local businesses impacted by coronavirus. More here.

9:10 PM

Local hospitals are rescheduling any non-essential surgery to have open beds available. More here.

A Lorain man is bringing joy to nursing home residents, one bagpipe at a time. More here.

8:02 PM

Ohio Democrats sued the state after Gov. DeWine decided to postpone the primary due to coronavirus. More here.

7:14 PM

The Ohio Department of Family Jobs and Services will grant licenses for pandemic child care to families where parents work in the health, safety and essential service fields. More here.

6:46 PM

News 5's Ron Regan spoke with Dominion Energy about turning utilities back on for customers during the coronavirus outbreak. More here.

6:30 PM

Two RTA employees test negative for coronavirus. More here.

4:33 PM

Akron Public Schools is stepping up to help students get meals during their extended spring break. More here.

4:32 PM
Is it safe to get the mail? The USPS says the risk of getting coronavirus from the mail is 'very low.' More here.

4:23 PM
Mythbusters: COVID-19 Ohio edition. As the coronavirus crisis spreads across Ohio, so do the rumors. We created a list of some of the most widespread rumors surrounding COVID-19 in Ohio and the truth behind them. More here.

3:47 PM
Not a lot of major news from today's press conference with the governor, but definitely some things to keep an eye on. Such as: The factors that would lead to a shelter in place in Ohio. More here.

3:25 PM
This is so Cleveland. No St. Patrick's Day Parade? No problem! This Rocky River man held a one-man St. Patrick’s Day parade. Gat that man a Guinness. More here.

3:22 PM
Answering a question from a reporter today, the governor said public weddings and funerals should be postponed. But you kind of knew this already, right? More here.

2:33 PM

From our investigators: Health professionals and first responders plead for more personal protective equipment. The message is being amplified on social media through the Twitter hashtag "#GetMePPE". More here.

2:11 PM
Daily update from the state: There are now 67 coronavirus cases in 16 Ohio counties; 31 in Cuyahoga. More here.

1:58 PM
Some reassurance from a local grocery store.

Some good news. I stopped at two popular grocery stores on the West Side today and the #coronavirusus panic buying appears to be slowing.

Crowds significantly lower — as employees try to restock shelves. pic.twitter.com/7X3SgLnByR
— Mike Brookbank (@brookbanktv) March 17, 2020

1:55 PM
Governor Mike DeWine will hold a news conference on Tuesday at 2 p.m. to provide updates regarding coronavirus in the state of Ohio. Watch it live here.

1:44 PM
On St. Patrick's Day, East 4th Street in downtown Cleveland is usually packed with people celebrating, but today it's a ghost town after bars and restaurants were ordered to shut down on Sunday.

A quiet East 4th Street. Photo courtesy of Kevin Barry.

1:43 PM
Both Uber and Lyft are suspending their Pool and Shared ride options as the companies work to limit personal interactions amid the outbreak of COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus. More info here.

1:25 PM

Euclid Avenue at 1:16 pm on a weekday. #coronavirus #WEWS pic.twitter.com/hZHHV1gDiE
— Kevin Barry (@KevinBarryTV) March 17, 2020

12:47 PM
12:45 PM
During a press conference at the White House on Tuesday, Treasury Sec. Steve Mnuchin said the Trump administration is discussing a stimulus plan in which the federal government would send individuals cash. More here.
12:45 PM
12:43 PM
The TSA confirmed a security officer at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has tested positive for COVID-19. More here.
12:43 PM
12:05 PM
MetroHealth Medical Center becomes the first hospital in the state that can now test COVID-19 samples at its laboratory with results available after just two hours. More info here.
12:05 PM
11:47 AM

11:47 AM

This is the line waiting to get into #COVID19 testing at ⁦@UHhospitals⁩ Landerbrook Health Center. Nearby building superintendent says people were lined up before 9:30am for testing that started at 11. @WEWS #WEWS pic.twitter.com/3MEiuW00Kn
— Scott Noll (@ScottNoll_News) March 17, 2020

11:38 AM
The Cleveland Public Library is shutting down its meal service program for children due to coronavirus concerns. More info here.
11:38 AM
11:35 AM
The Ohio State University announced it is postponing commencement until a later date in response to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). More here.
11:35 AM
11:17 AM
A St. Patrick's Day tradition in Cleveland is still on, just with a few changes. Slyman's is still serving up its famous corned beef sandwiches. More info here.
11:17 AM
A St. Patrick's Day tradition in Cleveland is still on, just with a few changes. Slyman's is still serving up its famous corned beef sandwiches. More info here.

11:11 AM
The Lake County General Health District has confirmed that a resident has novel coronavirus. More info here.
11:11 AM
11:08 AM
A woman was denied a flight after telling a TSA agent at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport that she licked fingers and had coronavirus. More here.
11:08 AM
10:46 AM
Is it the cold, flu, or coronavirus? This chart helps you differentiate between them. More on Twitter here.
10:46 AM
Is it the cold, flu, or coronavirus? This chart helps you differentiate between them. More on Twitter here.

10:35 AM
Good news: The Walmart on Leavitt Road in Lorain County has stocked the bread aisle. Workers say as soon as the truck comes, the bread goes out on the shelves.
10:35 AM
Good news: The Walmart on Leavitt Road in Lorain County has stocked the bread aisle. Workers say as soon as the truck comes, the bread goes out on the shelves.

9:20 AM
The Kentucky Derby has been postponed until Sept. 5 due to the coronavirus pandemic, organizers announced Tuesday. More info here.
9:20 AM
8:34 AM
8:34 AM
8:16 AM
Even though some St. Patrick’s Day traditions are canceled, there is one savory tradition that remains: corned beef sandwiches stacked as high as the Terminal Tower at Slyman’s Deli. Take-out only. More info here.
8:16 AM
7:32 AM
7:32 AM
7:32 AM
7:32 AM

Grocery stores in Northeast Ohio have opened early for the country's most vulnerable population amid the coroanvirus pandemic. But for seniors in Northeast Ohio, some can't find what they need. More here.
7:23 AM
6:30 AM
The Ohio Department of Transportation is using message boards on highways to encourage drivers to stay home. One message said, "We are all in this together." More here.
6:30 AM
6 AM
The Terminal Tower was decked out in green today to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. More on Facebook here.
RELATED: Latest coronavirus updates: Monday, March 16, 2020
The Terminal Tower was decked out in green today to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. More on Facebook here.
RELATED: Latest coronavirus updates: Monday, March 16, 2020
The Terminal Tower was decked out in green today to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. More on Facebook here.

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

Read our daily Coronavirus Live Blog for the latest updates and news on coronavirus.

Below you can find information and resources on novel coronavirus, COVID-19, from local, state, national and international organizations, including the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, the Ohio Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization.

News 5 will continue to update this section with new information, resources, links, and more as it is made available.

COVID-19/2019 Novel Coronavirus Overview from the CDC:

What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)? Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Can people in the U.S. get COVID-19? Yes. COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in parts of the United States. Risk of infection with COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Learn more about places with ongoing spread here.

Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.? Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage here.

How does COVID-19 spread? The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses here.

Download and read the CDC's full "What you need to know about coronavirus disease (COVID-19)" information sheet here.

Download and read the CDC's full "What you need to know about coronavirus disease (COVID-19)" information sheet here.
Global case numbers are reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation report.
Download and read the CDC's full "What you need to know about coronavirus disease (COVID-19)" information sheet here.
Global case numbers are reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation report.

Global case numbers are reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation report.

As of Monday, March 16, there were 50 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ohio. Cuyahoga County remains the county with the highest number of cases in the state with 24. There are 6 in Butler, 2 in Belmont, 3 in Franklin, 1 in Geauga, 3 in Lorain, 1 in Lucas, 1 in Medina, 3 in Stark, 2 in Summit, 2 in Trumbull and 1 in Tuscarawas.

ODH Director Amy Acton revealed that their department believes that at least 100,000 Ohioans are currently carrying the disease, a claim that has made national headlines.

Governor's Orders

Since Wednesday, March 11, Governor Mike DeWine has issued the following orders:
-A limit on visits to nursing homes and an order to hold sporting events without spectators. Since that time, almost all professional, college and high school sporting events have cancelled, and DeWine issued an order restricting all visitors to nursing homes and assisted care facilities, with exemptions for end-of-life care.
-A prohibition on "mass gatherings" of over 100 people. Another order on March 16 reduced gathering size to 50 people, per the CDC's current guidance.
-An order to close all Ohio K-12 schools for three weeks beginning at the end of the school day on Monday, March 16.
-On March 13, DeWine announced several new steps the state is taking to prevent the spread of coronavirus and provide relief to Ohio's residents, including an order stopping visitations at county jails, providing free breakfasts and lunches to Ohio's K-12 students, and a request to the Trump administration for regulatory and other relief as necessary.
-On March 15, DeWine ordered that all bars and restaurants in Ohio close, and serve customers through carry-out and delivery only.
-On March 16, DeWine announced his recommendation that the Primary Election on March 17 be postponed to June 2, and that mail-in absentee voting be extended. Secretary of State Frank LaRose supported the recommendation. A lawsuit was filed but rejected by Franklin County Judge Richard Frye. Mere hours before polls would have opened, Ohio Dept. of Health Director Amy Acton ordered the polls closed as a public health emergency.
Coronavirus' Impacts in Northeast Ohio:
-On March 16, DeWine announced his recommendation that the Primary Election on March 17 be postponed to June 2, and that mail-in absentee voting be extended. Secretary of State Frank LaRose supported the recommendation. A lawsuit was filed but rejected by Franklin County Judge Richard Frye. Mere hours before polls would have opened, Ohio Dept. of Health Director Amy Acton ordered the polls closed as a public health emergency.
Since the announcement of confirmed cases in Ohio, a number of local events, schools, facilities and more have announced closures, cancellations, postponements and changes as a result of coronavirus. News 5 is working to keep this information updated in the links below:
Coronavirus' Impacts in Northeast Ohio:
Here's a list of things in Northeast Ohio closed due to coronavirus concerns
Since the announcement of confirmed cases in Ohio, a number of local events, schools, facilities and more have announced closures, cancellations, postponements and changes as a result of coronavirus. News 5 is working to keep this information updated in the links below:
Multiple Ohio colleges suspend in-person classes due to coronavirus concerns
Here's a list of things in Northeast Ohio closed due to coronavirus concerns
The City of Cleveland has canceled its St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Cleveland International Film Festival, and issued a civil emergency in response to COVID-19.
Multiple Ohio colleges suspend in-person classes due to coronavirus concerns

More resources from News 5 and affiliates:

The City of Cleveland has canceled its St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Cleveland International Film Festival, and issued a civil emergency in response to COVID-19.
News 5's Coronavirus continuing coverage page

More resources from News 5 and affiliates:

Symptoms

News 5's Coronavirus continuing coverage page
The symptoms of coronavirus are fever and lower respiratory tract issues, such as cough and shortness of breath, according to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.

Symptoms

The symptoms of coronavirus are fever and lower respiratory tract issues, such as cough and shortness of breath, according to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.
The symptoms of coronavirus are fever and lower respiratory tract issues, such as cough and shortness of breath, according to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.

The symptoms of coronavirus are fever and lower respiratory tract issues, such as cough and shortness of breath, according to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.

Travel

Anyone traveling internationally should review plans in advance of their trip, and check the CDC’s COVID-19 Travel Information Page for daily updates and travel alerts.

Travel

Click here for the CDC COVID-19 Travel Information Page

Practice Good Hygiene

Click here for the CDC COVID-19 Travel Information Page
The CCBH recommends the following good hygiene practices to prevent coronavirus, as well as the flu, colds and other illnesses:

Practice Good Hygiene

Sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow to keep germs from spreading
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water/use alcohol-based hand sanitizer in between
Don’t share cups, spoons, forks, etc. with anyone
Don’t make food for anyone if you are sick
Don’t go to work or school if you are sick
Visit a doctor, urgent care or emergency department if you are sick – don’t take chances
Don’t make food for anyone if you are sick
Please contact your medical provider with any questions.
Visit a doctor, urgent care or emergency department if you are sick – don’t take chances
Please contact your medical provider with any questions.
Please contact your medical provider with any questions.

Guidance for those with compromised immune systems

Please contact your medical provider with any questions.
Click here for specific guidance from the CCBH for anyone at higher risk for becoming ill.

Guidance for those with compromised immune systems

Additional Resources

Click here for specific guidance from the CCBH for anyone at higher risk for becoming ill.

Additional Resources

Cuyahoga County: See the CCBH page on coronavirus here.

Ohio Department of Health:
It is updated daily at 2 p.m. with the current number of confirmed cases, persons under investigation and persons under investigation who tested negative for the disease.
Click here for the Ohio Department of Health’s Coronavirus information page.
More resources from ODH:
It is updated daily at 2 p.m. with the current number of confirmed cases, persons under investigation and persons under investigation who tested negative for the disease.
Fact sheet
Prevention infographic
Resources and information
Fact sheet
Prevention infographic
Resources and information
Prevention infographic
Resources and information