Ohio’s coronavirus call center is receiving an average of two calls per minute, but the governor says it should be moved to a larger location because the tight space is conducive to spreading the disease.
DeWine on Wednesday took a tour of the center, which is located in a small room in the basement of the Ohio Department of Health. About a dozen medical professionals were answering questions in the cramped space.
DeWine said the state is having to make quick decisions on how to prevent coronavirus spread and cautions it’s sometimes hard for the public to understand why at the moment.
“This is like going from a total standstill to 140 miles per hour in two seconds," DeWine said.
Our #Ohio call center is open and available to answer your questions about #COVID19.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 11, 2020
☎️833-4ASKODH
(833-427-5634)#COVID19OhioReady pic.twitter.com/RERxXlxWyu
Coronavirus In Ohio: Live Coverage
The Ohio Department of Health reports that four people in the state have tested positive for COVID-19, while another 24 are under investigation.
Many people calling the hotline want more information about the disease, how it is spread and have questions about exposure to the illness.
Ohio's coronavirus call center is open to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The hotline number is 1-833-4-ASK-ODH or 1-833-427-5634.
The Ohio Department of Health makes the following recommendations to protect yourself from illness:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; dry hands with a clean towel or air dry hands.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
