UPDATE: Shelter-in-Place

This afternoon, Gov. DeWine issued a "shelter-in-place" for our state of Ohio effective starting at midnight tomorrow. As a lifelong Ohio resident, I could not be more proud of this difficult decision that Gov. DeWine made. Throughout the process of watching this virus infect other countries, and then make its way into our nation, then slowly into our state, it has been an emotional rollercoaster trying to predict where the hotspots are going to pop up next. One of the few things that gives me great hope is how our local government has responded with each new piece of information. Ohio has notoriously been "ahead of the curve" in the United States. There are already several states that have been mandated to "shelter in place" (such as California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Connecticut and Louisiana), due to extreme community spread in these "hot spot areas." Despite there being several cases in Northern Ohio, the state as a whole is taking this measure preventatively rather than as a reaction to a huge surge of COVID-19. This is the first time a state (or nation) has chosen to proactively respond, rather than frightfully react, to the pandemic.

With over 300 Ohio residents currently positively confirmed (with many undiagnosed cases assumed), I have been praying that this would be the next step after Gov. DeWine closed voting polls to protect the public, then closed eat-in bars and restaurants, and other nonessential businesses. He and the Ohio state legislature have put a huge effort into "flattening the curve" before it is actually too late. Although this will obviously bring its own challenges, the "shelter-in-place" (or "stay-at-home" order) will undoubtedly save many lives and slow the spread. From one exceedingly grateful constituent, thank you to our state government for taking actions that are setting a precedent for the rest of our country. I know where my future votes will be going.

More updates will follow as more information is released. For the time being, please rest assured that in every nation and state where this kind of lockdown has been issued, it has been to support the health of the people. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential day-to-day necessities will still be available.

Life will look different for awhile, but we will all come out the other side stronger and more unified than ever before.

Prepare, don't panic (seriously, friends).

-Allison