A little more than 5% of Wayne County residents tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020. The percentage was slightly less in Holmes County. The virus may have spared most of the population but its impact left everyone scrambling.
Gov. Mike DeWine acted earlier than most leaders across the United States to prevent a surge of COVID-19 patients from flooding the state’s hospitals. The Ohio Department of Health issued months-long stay-at-home orders forcing nursing homes to lock down, schools to close, and restaurants to transition to carryout or delivery service only.
Manufacturers changed their productions to make personal protective equipment. Many small businesses closed shop, some permanently, and community celebrations were canceled left and right.