Keep up with regular news updates regarding Columbus and Ohio’s response to COVID-19 here.
As of Thursday, April 9, there are 549 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Columbus and Worthington, and 802 for all of Franklin County. The Ohio Department of Health is reporting there are now 14 confirmed deaths in the county.
More updates include unemployment numbers and the status of 1099 employee eligibility with the state, a new Spanish language live stream of Governor Mike DeWine’s press conferences and more.
Unemployment
Between March 14 and April 4, 696,519 Ohioans applied for unemployment, more people than in all of 2019. Many Ohioans have begun to receive assistance, but many are still waiting: $132 million has been paid out to 207,000 people so far.
Sole-proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed workers who are wondering when they will be able to receive unemployment benefits may be in for an extended wait. 1099 employees are now eligible for unemployment through the federal government’s CARES Act stimulus package, however, this sector of employees is not eligible in the state’s current system. Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted said on Thursday that a platform for contracted employees will not be launched until at least mid-May.
More Updates
WOSU Public Media has begun providing a Spanish language live stream of Governor DeWine’s daily Coronavirus Update briefing. View the live stream and past press conferences with Spanish translation at livestream.com/wosu/covid19actualizacion.
Apple CEO Tim Cook recently donated 100,000 N95 masks for Ohio healthcare workers.
Columbus residents who witness restaurants and businesses or residents holding mass gatherings can call 311 or the Columbus Division of Police non-emergency phone number (614) 645-4545, respectively, to report. Businesses and residents will first receive a warning letter before any other actions are taken.
For more information on COVID-19 in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.