OHIO ― What was once a grim possibility folded into Ohio’s reopening is now a troubling reality in Southwest Ohio.

“So, you can see a rather dramatic increase from May 25 through June 13,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.


What You Need To Know


  • 5 Southwest Ohio counties are seeing an uptick in coronavirus cases

  • Some cases are contained to certain areas and others are linked to community spread

  • Free testing sites will be popping up in the area

While most of Ohio sees downward trends, Montgomery, Greene, Clark, Warren and Hamilton Counties are seeing a new wave of coronavirus cases.

“The trend lines that we are seeing in these five counties are worrisome,” said DeWine.

Some of the cases are contained to certain areas―including a Dole salad plant in Springfield, where 200 of the 900 employees are now infected.

Dole released this statement:

"All Dole employees who tested positive have been asked to self-quarantine. While away from the plant they will continue to receive pay and will return to work once authorized by CCCHD. The Springfield plant will continue operations with all cleared personnel in a safe environment. 

We are striving to get salads to people around the country but are focused first on providing a 
safe and healthy workplace for our employees and their respective families."

The others can be linked to community spread.

“So, what we’re going to be doing― you’re going to see us move in more heavily with the National Guard,” DeWine said.

DeWine says if you live in any of these five counties, the best thing you can do is get tested.

“If you live in the Dayton area, or if you live in the Cincinnati area, you’re going to start seeing in the next several days, more information about more places where you can get tests,” said Dewine.

He says it’s still unclear whether or not the widespread protests across Ohio during this time frame contributed to the rise in cases.

Temporary testing sites will begin popping up in the area and will be free of charge.