Ohio plans to hand back to individuals the responsibility to keep the coronavirus pandemic in check.
Ohio's case numbers continue to trend downward with the cases per 100,000 down to about 120.
During a statewide address on Wednesday, Governor Mike DeWine set the date of June 2 for dropping all pandemic health orders, except those pertaining to nursing homes and group care facilities.
After that date, the governor says it will up to individuals and businesses to decide if they wish to continue using masks or social distancing.
The governor says he expects some to continue those efforts.
In the meantime, the governor is looking to try to get more Ohioans vaccinated as the demand for the vaccine has really fallen off.
To that end, DeWine raised the stakes to incentivize vaccines by offering million dollar prizes to five vaccinated adults over the age of 18.
It's been touted as "Vax-a-Million" or a "shottery."
In five separate drawings, full college scholarships will also be given to those under age 17 who are vaccinated. Pfizer received emergency-use authorization for those aged 12 to 17 this week. Ohio is now distributing the COVID-19 vaccine to this age group.
Beginning on May 23, nearly all Ohioans receiving unemployment assistance will have resume showing proof they are looking for work to continue receiving benefits.
The state suspended those requirements in the early days of the pandemic as many were forced out of work and businesses were closed.
The work search requirement was re-implemented for new claimants in December, but this move will impact those who have been receiving benefits prior to that in 2020.
With the pandemic potentially moving to the background soon, the opioid crisis is re-asserting itself as a major public health issue.
Efforts are underway in Ohio to prevent 2021 from becoming a record-setting year for overdose deaths.
To date at least 139 people in Cuyahoga County have died this year from heroin, fentanyl, or a combination of drugs. The county is on a pace to surpass 2017, currently the highest year on record for overdose deaths.
Cleveland will host the 2021 Rock Hall induction ceremony on October 30 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
The Induction class was announced on Wednesday. The performers going in are the following:
Foo Fighters,
the Go-Go's,
JAY-Z,
Carole King,
Todd Rundgren,
and Tina Turner
This year's Ahmet Ertegun Award goes to music producer Clarence Avant.
Recipients of the Musical Excellence Award are the following:
LL Cool J,
Billy Preston,
and Randy Rhoads
Recipients of the Early Influence Award are the following:
Kraftwerk,
Gil Scott Heron,
and Charley Patton
Guests:
Marlene Harris-Taylor, managing producer for health, Ideastream
Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV
Ken Schneck, editor, the Buckeye Flame
