The view from the Idea Center

We’re in the midst of a new type of cancel culture, one that’s far different from the career-ending actions spurred by #MeToo or the social media backlash over an internet feud between  Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and Taylor Swift.

This one is fueled by the public health crisis of  the ever-spreading coronavirus. Ohio now has a fourth confirmed case of COVID-19, and public health officials are trying to find other people with whom the Stark County man may have come into contact.

The  Cleveland International Film Festival is canceled. Cleveland’s and Akron’s  St. Patrick’s Day parades are canceled. The Cleveland Orchestra  canceled its concerts at Severance Hall for tonight, tomorrow and Saturday.

Even smaller-scale events are falling victim to the pandemic, like this month’s meeting of Downtown Cleveland Residents and  Beachwood High School’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

The  list of canceled events is long, and  expected to keep growing. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Wednesday he’s planning new public health orders for large gatherings, especially sporting events. More details are likely to come when the governor holds another news conference this afternoon (you can watch it live at 2 p.m. on  ideastream.org).

“Ohioans have to understand what the facts are,” Gov. DeWine said.  “And the facts are that any gathering of people in close proximity to each other is dangerous.”
 

See you bright and early on the radio tomorrow,
Amy Eddings

Need to KnOH

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Your ideas

We know social isolation can be a huge problem for older adults. But restrictions are now in place to help keep COVID-19 out of Ohio’s nursing homes and away from this high-risk population. If you have a friend or a family member in a nursing home right now, how are you staying in touch with them? And how are they holding up? Call us at  (216) 916-6476, comment on our Facebook page or join the conversation in  Public Square. We'll feature some of your thoughts and comments here in Noon(ish) and on Morning Edition.