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DeWine, health officials paint promising future for Spring

Gov. Mike DeWine held a press conference Thursday, where he painted a promising future for the state this spring.

“The spring is going to be a much more normal spring, we hope,” DeWine said.

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The following announcements were made:

  • Gov. DeWine urged Ohioans to check with their provider if they have concerns about weather impacts on their appointments to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The state launched the nursing and assisted living vaccine maintenance program, which is designed to continue the momentum of vaccinating residents and staff members at these facilities across the state. This system is being used to ensure vaccinations continue as populations at these facilities fluctuate.
  • Gov. DeWine expects to release updated guidance for nursing home visitations next week. He said as the vaccine and other updated guidance regarding masking and distancing warrants an update from the initial guidance on nursing home visits released in July.
  • DeWine said the state will continue to hold “for the next few weeks” with expanding the age for vaccinations. He said he wants to get additional supply into the system.
  • DeWine said the state is beginning to discuss plans for the upcoming graduation and prom season and what the state’s plans around those events will be. “I’m optimistic,” DeWine said.
  • Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff touched on how the state plans to move forward into the spring season. “I think we can all be encouraged by our results so far,” Vanderhoff said. “We don’t want to declare victory too soon.” He said the variants are more contagious and vaccines and masking are helping to protect Ohioans.
  • DeWine said he too is hopeful as the state transitions into the next season. “The spring is going to be a much more normal spring, we hope,” DeWine said.
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