Ohio to send more CARES money to families, businesses
Low-income families, small businesses, bars, restaurants, hospitals, colleges, nonprofits and arts groups slammed by the coronavirus will be getting $429.5 million in federal relief, Gov. Mike Dewine announced at a news conference Friday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, the governor announced an additional $4.6 million in grants for local law enforcement and others in the criminal justice system.
The assistance comes as coronavirus cases continue to rise in Ohio, with 2,518 new cases reported Friday, setting a new record and bringing the statewide total to 192,948, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
That marks the eighth time in nine days new cases have topped 2,000.
Dewine said the relief package will include $50 million for low-income families to pay their rent, mortgage, and sewer and water bills. Households with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level will be eligible, roughly $52,400 for a family of four. Families can apply for aid through their local community-action agencies.
Another $125 million will be available for small business relief grants of $10,000, with an additional $37.5 million to help bars and restaurants with $2,500 grants. Hospitals, which are seeing increased numbers of admissions of COVID-19 patients, will receive $62 million while Ohio colleges and universities will receive $100 million to help pay for testing and mental health services.
Dewine said the state Controlling Board will be asked to approve the expenditures at its meeting Monday. It’s unclear how quickly the money will be available.
The $4.6 million in grants announced earlier on Friday will be distributed to 140 local law enforcement agencies, courts, victim service groups, probation and parole departments and prisons to offset costs stemming from the virus.
“With this funding we’re able to help those working in criminal justice fields effectively and safely carry out their law enforcement duties and help victims of crime,” Dewine said in a statement.
“These grants will help with the financial burden the pandemic has caused and help prevent spread of this devastating virus.”
Ohio previously awarded about $8 million in Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding, part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Friday’s reported cases were more than the three-week average of 1,721 new cases reported per day. About 4.1 million COVID-19 tests have been administered across the state since the pandemic began in March.
Deaths rose Friday by 23, which is more than the three-week average of 13 new deaths reported per day. So far, the virus has killed 5,184 Ohioans, according to the state.
An additional 184 Ohioans were hospitalized with COVID-19 by Friday. That’s more than the three-week average of 104 new hospitalizations a day, state data shows.
Admissions to intensive care units increased Friday by 25, which is more than the three-week average of 18 new ICU admissions a day. As of Friday, 1,347 Ohioans remained hospitalized with COVID-19, including 370 in ICUS and 196 on ventilators, according to the state.
Franklin County added no new deaths on Friday and 237 cases across Franklin County, up from 31,466 cases on Thursday, data shows.
In total, Franklin County has reported 31,703 cases and 640 deaths, according to the state. ccandisky@gannett.com @ccandisky