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COVID-19 state of emergency in Ohio ends tomorrow

COLUMBUS — The state of Ohio will lift the COVID-19 state of emergency on Friday, Gov. Mike DeWine announced this morning.

“This is kind of the last thing to be dealt with,” DeWine said.

The state of emergency has been in place since March 9 in the state and it’s lifting is another sign of improvements around the virus.

The state of emergency declaration happened the same day the first three people in Ohio tested positive for COVID-19 near Cleveland. It led to a number of restrictions and business closures throughout the state.

It also allowed for several rules to be waived so the state could get access quickly to personal protective equipment and testing supplies.

“It’s time for that to end as well,” DeWine said. “Now we’re in a very different stage of the pandemic.”

In addition to lifting the state of emergency, the state also will lift state regulations at nursing homes, including the requirement to schedule visitations and the two person limit on visitation, DeWine said. Unvaccinated workers at nursing homes will continue to be required to get tested twice a week for COVID-19.

“They need to see friends. They need to see family. It’s time,” DeWine said.

DeWine also recognized the fourth winners of the state’s Vax-A-Million drawing, the second to last announcement for a $1 million prize and college scholarship.

Suzanne Ward, of Findlay, was drawn as the winner of the $1 million prize.

Sean Horning, of Cincinnati, was drawn as the winner of the full-ride college scholarship.

Horning said he just graduated from Colerain High School, but hasn’t selected a college yet.

“I haven’t made any decisions yet. I’m uncommitted,” Horning said. “I’m excited to see what I’ll come up with.

The teen said he got a call from his dad to tell him he had won the scholarship drawing.

“Then I gave my mom a call and she was all jumping and crying,” he said.

>>DeWine: State hopes to announce additional incentives in next few days

Winners were selected Monday but were formally announced today at 7:29 p.m. The announcement of the winners was carried live on WHIO-TV.

>>Ohio’s Vax-A-Million lottery: How can you win?

The state uses the 48 hours between the drawing and announcing the winners to verify their vaccine eligibility, Ohio Department of Health leaders previously told News Center 7.

>>Ohio announces third Vax-A-Million winners

Wednesday’s announcement will be the fourth of five drawings for a $1 million prize, for eligible Ohioans over 18-years-old, or free tuition to any state college or university for those 12 to 17 years old.

>>Kentucky launches COVID-19 vaccine lottery with $1 million prizes, scholarship opportunities

Eligible Ohioans had until Sunday night to register and opt into the program for Monday’s drawing. People who entered for previous drawings are automatically entered into the final drawing.

Ohioans looking to opt-in to the final drawing have until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 20, to enter either at the state’s website, www.ohiovaxamillion.com or by calling the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

While the Vax-A-Million program is nearing its finale, Gov. Mike DeWine teased more vaccine incentives could be on the horizon and said some announcements would come after the last winners are announced next week.

“We’re not done,” DeWine said.

DeWine added the state has been working with the private sector to come up with additional incentive programs for people in the state.

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