Keep up with regular news updates regarding Columbus and Ohio’s response to COVID-19 here.
The Numbers
COVID-19 cases — As of Tuesday, May 5, 2,390 cases of COVID-19 have been reported or are probable in Columbus and Worthington, an increase of 92 cases. Countywide, 2,988 cases and 87 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported, an increase of 109 cases and three deaths from yesterday.
Statewide, 20,969 cases and 1,135 deaths are confirmed or probable.
More Updates
Budget Cuts — Governor Mike DeWine announced on Tuesday a $775 million reduction in general revenue fund spending for the remainder of the year. This comes as the administration reports it is $776.9 million below budget.
Medicaid spending, K-12 foundation payment reduction, higher education and other agencies will receive funding cuts.
The governor said the state will hold off on using its rainy day fund, at least for the next two months.
Airbnb Warns Against Parties in Columbus — A new policy from Airbnb will not allow hosts to authorize parties and events in Ohio until current public health mandates change.
Domestic Violence Shelters Receive Funding — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced his office has distributed $950,000 in grants to domestic violence shelters and coalitions across the state, including Choices in Columbus. In total, 48 shelters will receive funding to assist battered men, women and children amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A statewide training grant for the Ohio Domestic Violence Network has been distributed, which will “help ensure recipients of the funding abide by federal and state standards for providing trauma-informed services for survivors,” read a press release.
Testing Receives Priority Ranking — On Monday, the Ohio Department of Health announced what groups will receive priority as the state increases testing.
Ohioans who have symptoms and are hospitalized or are health care workers will receive testing first, followed by people with symptoms who live or work in congregate settings and/or are at higher risk, those without symptoms who may have been exposed during an outbreak in a congregate setting, and people who receive medical procedures.
For more information on COVID-19 in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.