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Coronavirus
As a new strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) swept through the world in 2020, preparedness plans, masking policies and more public policy changed just as quickly. WVXU has covered the pandemic's impact on the Tri-State from the very beginning, when on March 3, 2020, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine barred spectators from attending the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus over concerns about the virus, even though Ohio had yet to confirm a single case of COVID-19.

No More Color-Coded Maps On Ohio's Coronavirus Website

Ohio Department of Health

Those color-coded maps of COVID cases that Ohioans have been watching on the state’s coronavirus website to see how their counties fared as compared with others will be going away. 

Ohio Dept of Health Director Stephanie McCloud says the maps showing severity on thestate's coronavirus websitefrom yellow to orange to red to purple was helpful when the pandemic was at its highest point. But now, she says state leaders are considering other indicators. 

“We’re looking at vaccination numbers, total average numbers, we are watching the cases," McCloud says.

McCloud says with lower numbers of positive cases, the maps are not as helpful. 

Most of the statewide coronavirus health orders will expire on June 2nd but she says the state is looking for a way to continue some protocols in nursing homes and skilled health facilities. 

Copyright 2021 The Statehouse News Bureau

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.