COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine compared the COVID-19 outbreak to being invaded.

“Just as in a time of war, we’ve been attacked by this virus and we have to pull together,” he said during a Thursday news conference. “It’s going to be the smallest acts of each and every Ohioan that will make all the difference in the world.”

Also Thursday, the Ohio Department of Health reported a new COVID-19 case in Mahoning County, the fifth in the county. A 40-year-old man from Austintown whose brother was interviewed by the newspaper on Wednesday said there has been no change in his brother’s condition, which is critical. He is on a ventilator at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital.

There are still two cases in Trumbull County and none in Columbiana County. Overall, as of Thursday afternoon, Ohio had 119 confirmed cases with 33 of them hospitalized.

But DeWine also said “rumors of martial law and quarantining everyone in their homes is not true.”

The only new edicts declared Thursday by DeWine — who has taken a proactive response to the outbreak — was the immediate shutdown of internet cafes and an executive order to expand access to medical and behavioral health services for Medicaid recipients using telehealth.

Internet cafes charge fees to the public for internet access and have been connected to gambling. DeWine, a longtime opponent of the businesses, said: “Even if you think they’re legal, we’re closing them.”

The expansion of Medicaid access is so patients won’t have to go to doctors’ offices and hospitals and can talk to medical experts over the phone or online.

He and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced the U.S. Small Business Administration approved a request to allow small businesses and nonprofits in the state to apply for low-interest, longterm loans of up to $2 million.

Also, DeWine said he expects the General Assembly next week to consider allowing local governments to conduct business remotely while providing access to the media.

“Get ready to do that,” DeWine said Thursday to local governments about meeting without an audience in attendance.

Because of COVID-19, Newton Falls Village Council already took this action having its Monday meeting closed to the public and aired it live on Facebook, YouTube and its cable TV public access station.

DeWine urged people to fly American and Ohio flags out in a sign of unity and said because people are staying home, there could be a baby boom.

“There is nothing more joyful than the birth of a child,” said DeWine, who has eight children and 24 grandchildren.

COURT IMPACT

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor spoke at DeWine’s daily news conference Thursday about the court system, saying they “must be open to address emergency and time-sensitive matters.”

O’Connor also asked judges to “grant continuances for non-essential matters” and use discretion to release inmates from jail who are at a high risk of getting the virus.

Steven McGarrity, executive director of Community Legal Aid, which provides legal help to low-income people, praised O’Connor’s statements.

“This would allow people to focus on getting through this difficult time, instead of putting themselves at risk by appearing in court,” he said.

O’Connor also said the state’s high court was providing $4 million in emergency grants to lower courts to purchase remote video conferencing equipment.

Effective Monday, Youngstown Municipal Court will have only essential personnel working and is reducing its hours indefinitely. The court building will be open to the public who have official business on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. The building will be closed on Tuesday and Thursday. Court and clerk of courts staff will be available by phone on Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 pm. on Monday and Wednesday and from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday.

Warren Municipal Court recently issued an order that only defendants and victims in criminal and traffic cases are allowed in those proceedings.

Also, only those with “personal business” are permitted in the courthouse. Personal business is “defined as a warrant for your arrest, a warrant block on your license or an operator’s license forfeiture needing release, driving letters or release of your vehicle,” according to a journal entry.

ANTI-PRICE GOUGING

Attorney General Dave Yost said Thursday he plans to seek a new anti-price gouging law that does not rely on price controls when the state Legislature convenes next week.

“I’m outraged that anybody would try to profit on a crisis, particularly on items that are necessary for the health and safety of Ohioans,” he said.

The office’s consumer protection section has received more than 150 complaints of price gouging this month because of the coronavirus pandemic, he said. His office is reviewing each of the complaints.

Yost also warned people to be away of an increase in scams related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

dskolnick@tribtoday.com