DEWINE INTENSIFIES PUSH FOR GUN REFORM PACKAGE

Governor’s reform package has been in Ohio Senate 10 months.

At least 56 people were shot, including 17 killed, across Ohio in the span of 16 days in August, said Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday.

“Enough is enough,” DeWine said as he renewed his call on state lawmakers to pass his gun reform package that includes stiffer penalties for those who are illegally carrying a firearm or providing guns to minors.

“It’ll matter. It’ll make a big difference. Our bill will get tougher on those who have committed a crime with a gun, people who have absolutely no right to have a gun, it’ll get tougher on those who are found carrying a weapon if they’re legally prohibited from doing so,” DeWine said of Senate Bill 221, which has been pending in the Ohio Senate for 10 months.

The governor incorporated his call for action on his gun package with his regular coronavirus press briefing.

The Ohio Department of Health reported Thursday 1,066 new cases in the past 24 hours, boosting the total count of confirmed and probable cases to 112,003; 3,929 deaths; and 12,615 hospitalizations since the pandemic began.

Nine counties are in the

“red level” under Ohio’s Public Health Advisory System, including four new ones: Clark, Preble, Lorain and Trumbull. Seven counties dropped off the red level, including Montgomery County.

The DeWine administration announced that adult day care centers can re-open beginning Sept. 21 under reduced capacity and safety protocols. Additionally, Ohio’s 765 assisted living centers will be required to participate in a new coronavirus testing program in which people can self-administer saliva swabs and get results within 48 hours.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will send 23 million masks to 197,000 employers across the state. This is in addition to the 20 million masks BWC sent out earlier this year.

The governor also clarified his recent order on sporting events: tournaments between multiple teams in a single day will be prohibited. Tournament play involves too much mixing, DeWine said. “This is our compromise.”

DeWine also said he’ll issue guidance on Friday for performing arts programs.