Matthew Rocco in New York
Ohio governor Mike DeWine warned that the state may impose stricter measures aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus, as new infections and hospital admission continued to trend higher in the Midwest.
Mr DeWine, in an address on Wednesday evening, urged residents to stay home as much as possible and avoid hosting parties, saying current data trends could lead officials to close restaurants, bars and gyms.
“We will look at this one week from tomorrow,” Mr DeWine said.
The governor plans to tighten rules related to wearing masks by forming a compliance unit to oversee enforcement in retail outlets. A separate measure will require face coverings for patrons in restaurants when they are not eating.
Mr DeWine, who described the current outbreak as a third spike, warned of the strain on hospital resources. “This surge is much more intense, widespread and dangerous,” he said.
There were 5,874 new cases in Ohio, the state’s second-highest figure on record. Over the past week, Ohio has averaged a record 5,307 new cases per day.
Ohio also reported 76 further deaths attributed to the virus, bringing its overall count to 5,623 since the pandemic began.
States across the Midwest