Unemployment claims top 100K, new voter sign-up demanded

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said it received 111,055 unemployment insurance benefit applications online in the past four days, while voting rights groups demanded the Secretary of State allow voter registration ahead of the new June 2 primary date. A look at coronavirus-related developments in Ohio Thursday.

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CASES

The state has nearly 90 confirmed cases of the virus, with 26 hospitalizations and no reported deaths. The state is limiting testing to those who are hospitalized and to healthcare workers.

For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death. The vast majority of people recover.

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ELECTIONS

As the Ohio Supreme Court hears a challenge to Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s decision to move the primary to June 2, Justice Pat DeWine — the son of Gov. Mike DeWine — removed himself from the case.

Voting rights groups demanded that LaRose allow registration of new voters ahead of the June 2 date, saying prohibiting such registration violates federal law and the Ohio Constitution.

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JOBS

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said it received 111,055 unemployment insurance benefit applications online in the past four days, compared to 3,895 during the same four days last week.

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THE NEW REALITY

Grocery stores, including Cincinnati-based Kroger, have reduced hours to allow for overnight cleaning and restocking, as mornings often bring shopping surges.

The central Ohio bus system suspended fares and asked riders to enter through the rear door. Clermont County in southwestern Ohio delayed jury trials for 30 days. Police in Wellston in southeastern Ohio joined several departments in taking non-emergency reports over the phone.

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IT TAKES A VILLAGE

“Obviously times are tough and we were brainstorming a lot of ideas.”

— Chad Gill, assistant manager at Lindey’s restaurant in Columbus, on the decision to include a roll of toilet paper with every carryout order, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

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The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Associated Press writers Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus, John Seewer in Toledo and Mark Gillispie in Cleveland contributed to this report.