During a Friday press conference, Mahoning County Board of Health's Ryan Tekac reminded all looking to get out and enjoy the nice weather this weekend that they must still follow Gov. Mike DeWine's order and practice social distancing. 

Board of Health Public Information Officer Tracy Styak stated that the county as of this morning has 193 cases of COVID-19, with 88 hospitalizations and 11 deaths.

Tekac asked everyone to keep the social distancing in mind in all situations, including while shopping. Tekac asked that everyone avoid overcrowding in all situations, including avoiding social gatherings and cookouts at this time, saying that we can return to these activities at a later date. He asked that everyone follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and have a plan action in place in case of illness.

On Thursday, as part of an extended stay-at-home order in Ohio, all essential businesses will be required to limit the number of people allowed inside of their store at one time. The added measure is meant to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

When asked how this new order would be enforced in Mahoning County, Tekac responded that the Board of Health would continue to work with the prosecutor's office and law enforcement to educate businesses and employees of what is needed to slow the virus. He added that each business is responsible for setting the number allowed in stores. However, the Board of Health will enforce the governor's order if need be. Tekac asked that business owners and shoppers use common sense during this time.

With Mahoning County near the top county in the state with deaths from the coronavirus, Tekac did not offer any information on whether there appeared to be any clusters or areas of higher outbreak areas, including within any businesses, but did add that the virus is "community spread."

Health officials in an earlier press release stated that most of the 11 people in the county who have died from coronavirus in Mahoning County were elderly males.

Mahoning County Public Health reported on Friday that one of those who died since the outbreak was 51 years old, five of the victims were between the ages of 60 and 79, while five others were older than 80.
 
The Board of Health is continuing to use "close contract tracing" when an individual is confirmed to have COVID-19, alerting anyone who the victim has had recent close contact with. 
 
Tekac asked businesses and employees to be proactive in keeping work areas safe, by disinfecting all possible locations where any possibly ill workers have been with the workplace.