Gov. DeWine Plans To Extend Statewide Curfew; Urges Congress To Pass Additional COVID Relief

The 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew was set to expire on Thursday.

(Columbus, Oh.) - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is sticking with his statewide curfew that was issued three weeks ago.

During a media briefing on Monday, DeWine said he plans to extend the 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew indefinitely. The curfew was set to expire on Thursday. 

The decision comes as COVID-19 positive cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in Ohio. 

On Monday, Ohio reported 9,273 new cases, 336 new hospitalizations, and 40 new ICU admissions within a 24 hour period. 

We are now in a very dangerous stage. The vaccine is coming, but we know it will take a while to work our way through distribution. We desperately need a bill out of Congress.

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) December 7, 2020

Ohio's COVID-19 Vaccination Plan can be viewed here. 

Governor DeWine is also urging Congress to pass additional COVID-19 relief. The governor released the following statement on Monday:

"I strongly urge Congress to pass a much-needed bipartisan COVID 19 relief package before leaving Washington for the holiday recess.

"We are grateful in Ohio for the significant federal assistance provided to date, but more relief is desperately needed to support the ongoing state and local government response to this pandemic and to help our citizens, businesses, health care providers, essential workers, and schools as we face the public health and economic challenges that remain.

"The COVID-19 vaccine trials have demonstrated promising results. However, until we reach community immunity, the virus remains a great health and economic threat. In Ohio, we are seeing record-high cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.

"Many vital CARES Act programs have already run out, and more are set to expire before the end of the year. Ohio’s workers, families, small businesses and industries, health care professionals, schools and children are struggling. Additional substantial aid is essential. Continued investment will not only allow us to dampen the economic fallout in Ohio and slow a potential recession in the coming years, but ultimately, it will also help our citizens to return to normal when the pandemic ends.

"I remain grateful for the ongoing state, local, and federal partnership in the face of the pandemic. Continued support from Congress is essential to keep the Ohio economy open and protect the lives and livelihoods of all Ohioans."

For more information regarding COVID-19 in Ohio, visit www.Coronavirus.Ohio.gov. 

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