Ohio Secures FEMA Funding to Quarantine Those At-Risk From COVID-19

The state of Ohio's Department of Health (ODH) Interim Director Lance Himes released a Directors Order on August 31, 2020, creating Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shelters and legalizing their use for people who 'are unable to safely self-quarantine in their place of residence and to isolate those diagnosed with or showing symptoms of COVID-19.'

State colleges and universities located in Ohio have been directed to comply with this Order to prepare facilities on their campuses making available grounds, buildings, and facilities that are deemed to be necessary and suitable.

The non-congregate FEMA sheltering will be utilized throughout Ohio for people who 'test positive for COVID-19 and who do not require hospitalization .... but need isolation (including those exiting from hospitals)... those who have been exposed to COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization ... and asymptomatic high-risk individuals needing social distancing as a precautionary measure,' reported the OhioStar on September 4, 2020.

As of September 8, 2020, Google Maps indicates the state of Ohio already has (4) FEMA camps open.

On July 22, 2020, the U.S. CDC said 'Accumulating evidence supports ending isolation and precautions for persons with COVID-19 using a symptom-based strategy.' The U.S. CDC has published an extensive list of COVID-19 symptoms, such as the loss of taste.

As of September 7th, the Ohio Health Department reported a total of 2,710 nursing home fatalities have been confirmed during 2020, which represents about 65% of all pandemic deaths in Ohio.