COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine ordered the public to stay at home at the end of today to help battle coronavirus — as confirmed cases in Ohio reached 351 on Sunday.

“The lesson of history is that if you don’t do these things early enough, you pay the price. And the price is that a lot of people die,” he said.

During his Sunday news conference, DeWine said a “stay-at-home” order is in place for all Ohioans through April 6, when the situation will be reassessed.

Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio Department of Health director, who signed the order, said the state’s coronavirus statistics show confirmed cases increased to 351 as of Sunday.

“The numbers have been pouring in to us. At 351, we are at the tip of the iceberg,” she said.

She said of those, 83 are hospitalized, and three people have died: one in each in Cuyahoga, Erie and Lucas counties. Cases have been reported in more than 40 counties. Ages range from 1 to 93 years old, with a median age of 51.

She said cases have been reported since Feb. 7, but some people may not have been tested yet — which could change the number.

Acton said because Ohio is running low on tests, it cannot test everyone.

As of Sunday, Mahoning County had 18, Trumbull, three, and Columbiana, two.

DeWine said the “stay-at-home” order will affect all non-essential businesses.

On March 15 bars and restaurants were ordered closed with only carryout allowed. Also effective Sunday, adult day care services and senior centers were closed.

WHAT IS ESSENTIAL?

DeWine said carryout still is allowed because restaurants provide a huge percent of food to the public.

Businesses identified by the state as essential are: health care and public health workers; law enforcement, public safety and first responders; food and agricultural; energy employees; waste and wastewater; transportation and logistics; public works; communication and information technology; community-based government operations; critical manufacturing; hazardous materials; financial services; chemical workers; and defense-industrial base.

Acton said the essential businesses will have guidelines to provide for social distancing, hand sanitizer and special hours for vulnerable populations.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said officials have spoken with business and labor organizations on what essential businesses need to stay open.

Acton said people need to understand: “There’s no time left. Listen to what Italy is telling us. Today is the day.

“Every one one of us matters. Today is the day that matters. We have to batten down the hatches. We need to protect the people in the front lines,” Acton said.

Acton calmly said she is not afraid, envisioning a future of hope, and praised how everyone is doing their part.

“We are at war on a silent enemy; I am determined we can beat this. This is our one shot. All of us have to sacrifice. Every action you take is important,” she said.

Acton said while life may seem like it is shutting down, “I see a vision of a future that is brighter. This is drawing us closer. Follow the directives, make sacrifices.”

She stressed keeping distance between people is essential — noting people may not even know they have the virus and can be spreading it.

TAKING CARE

DeWine said he understands the importance of keeping grocery stores, gas stations and drug stores open and also taking care of others, such as an elderly neighbor who may need something or taking someone to a funeral.

While parks are open, playgrounds will be closed because of large crowds that gather there, he said.

DeWine said he encouraged outdoor activity, such as taking a walk, a hike or children playing in their yards, to help with mental health.

“People need to get out. I plan to go for a walk. Follow good protocol with social distancing of 6 feet and washing hands,” he said.

“We have never faced an enemy like we are today in 102 years. We are at war. Time is of the essence,” DeWine said, referring to the 1918 Spanish influenza epidemic.

He also said during a time of war sacrifices have to be made. It is a crucial time to make a difference in the world and slow this invader by letting the medical professionals and hospital workers do their jobs, he said.

“You are making a huge difference. I am convinced we can beat this. We are Buckeyes. We are strong. We can do this,” DeWine said.

CHILDREN

As for child day care centers, DeWine said the number of children in day care has dropped in the state from 117,000 to 17,000.

Comnsidering it is extremely difficult to maintain social distancing with small children, the guidelines will allow no more than six children per room, he said.

“There is a concern of large numbers of children being together. We want to keep them safe,” he said.

DeWine said starting Thursday, day care centers must obtain a temporary pandemic childcare license. As well as the child limit per room, parent interaction when dropping off and picking up a child also will be limited.

This would be in place through April 30, the governor said.

For information visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov.

DeWine said an issue to be addressed by the Ohio General Assembly is to forgo the state-mandated testing for students.

He said flags were to be flown at half-staff in Mahoning County and at the Ohio Statehouse in memory of state Rep. Don Manning, R-New Middletown,who died Saturday at age 54.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com