DeWine calls FEMA camp conspiracy ‘ridiculous’

CEDARVILLE — The evolving nature of coronavirus information — combined with Americans at home spending more time on their computers and mobile devices — has been the perfect breeding ground for conspiracy theories.

From the debunked "Plandemic" documentary that circulated on Facebook to shifting recommendations from the nation's top scientists, sorting fact from fiction and falsehoods from new research during a pandemic has not been easy.

During Tuesday's press conference, DeWine addressed one particular rumor — that the state's non-congregate shelter order amended Aug. 31 allows the state to separate people with COVID-19 from their families and place them in FEMA-controlled concentration camps.

Fear of FEMA and conspiracy theories about the agency can be traced back to the 1980s. The stories most-often shared are centered on the idea that FEMA's emergency powers will allow the government to put "dissidents" in internment camps.

In a press briefing on Sept. 3, Jack Windsor — a regular fixture at DeWine's briefings who not-so-subtly straddles the line between reporter and professional COVID-19 contrarian — asked DeWine, "What authority do you have in removing people from their homes?"

DeWine said the decision to quarantine in alternate locations would be up to individuals.

Regardless, in an Ohio Star article dated Sept. 4 Windsor refers to as the sheltering as "FEMA camps" and insinuates the order could be used to remove children from their homes. State Rep. Nino Vitale cited the article in a Facebook post that has been shared nearly 5,000 times.

"If you have been following me, you know that almost 4 months ago, I reported that if you have one bathroom in your home and you, or worse your child tests positive for COVID, they will remove your child from your home," Vitale writes.

"Now we know WHERE they are going to take children when they remove them from your home: FEMA Concentration Camps, set up right here in Ohio. The hardest working journalist in Ohio, Jack Windsor, has reported this important information."

Calling the theory "crazy, ridiculous," DeWine set the record straight Tuesday and explained the order creates a process for securing shelter for people who are unable to quarantine or recover in their homes. For example, if a nurse is exposed to COVID-19 and lives with an elderly relative, this type of housing could be used.

"I'll make it very clear: this order does not create FEMA camps to force anyone to quarantine against their will, as has been reported on the internet," DeWine said. "I am aware there are rumors on the internet that incorrectly claim these orders allow children to be separated from their parents without permission. Let me just say, this is absolutely ridiculous."

DeWine said he received multiple calls over the weekend about the rumor and the order, which was first issued March 31.

"What we are doing is making available a safe place for people to stay when they have loved ones they're trying to protect and they have no other place to go," DeWine said.

Other news:

• According to the latest figures Tuesday from the Ohio Department of Health, the state is reporting 125,144 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. There have been 2,906 confirmed or suspected cases in Mahoning County; 1,780 in Trumbull County; and 1,876 in Columbiana County.

• Statewide, there have been 4,009 confirmed deaths, including 272 in Mahoning County; 126 in Trumbull; and 69 in Columbiana. Mahoning County's 272 reported COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday was fifth among Ohio's 88 counties; Cuyahoga County had the most with 605.

• In nearby counties: Stark, 2,471 cases and 156 deaths; Portage, 948 cases and 69 deaths; and Ashtabula, 622 cases and 46 deaths.

• The Ohio House passed House Bill 341, legislation aimed at combatting opioid deaths throughout the state. The bill authorizes pharmacists to administer by injection physician-prescribed addiction treatment drugs. It also increases naloxone education for pharmacists and naloxone access for anyone with an opioid-use disorder.

• According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday, there are 140,359 COVID-19 cases in the state which have led to 7,791 deaths. The state said the recovery rate is 82 percent. There have been 607 confirmed or suspected cases in Mercer County and 13 deaths; 474 cases in Lawrence County and 21 deaths.

• No matter how much Gov. Tom Wolf may support it, a deal legalizing recreational marijuana this fall won't happen, said Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman. Like any bill, it would need to work its way through the Senate Committee process, he said. Wolf called on lawmakers to enable recreational cannabis to fill a pandemic-induced budget deficit.

• The Campbell branch of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County will open to the public at noon today in the Campbell Community Literacy Workforce and Cultural Center, 436 Struthers-Coitsville Road. The 3,300-square-foot Campbell Library has a collection of more than 9,500 items consisting of both adult and youth materials.

• Southern Park Mall will host drive-in style concerts featuring local artists. Cars will be directed to a safely distanced parking spot. Guests can tune their radios for audio streaming. On Thursday, the concert is RDNA with No Funk No Justice. Gates open at 6 p.m.; concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 per car.

• Stambaugh Auditorium has received three grants totaling $11,420 to be used for COVID-19 relief efforts. The grants will be used to help offset overhead expenses associated with blood drives. Since March, 12 blood drives at the Stambaugh resulted in the collection of more than 1,300 pints of blood.

• Violinist Caitlin Hedge and guitarist Dave Lynn are teaming up for the opening performance in the 2020-21 Dana Alumni Recital Series that will be available on Saturday at 7 p.m. on the Youngstown State University Cliffe College and McDonough YouTube channels.

• The Mahoning Valley Historical Society is celebrating the 145th anniversary of its founding and its tie to the Good Humor Bar, invented by Youngstown native Harry Burt. At noon on Thursday, it will debut a video program Founders Day: Good Humor Tour" as part of its History To Go series. The video will be available on MVHS' YouTube channel.

• Surplus books and other items from the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will be offered to the public for sale Sept. Thursday through Saturday at the Main Library on Wick Avenue. Items include tables, chairs, cabinets, book carts and desks. Sales are cash only.

This story was originally published September 9, 2020 at 4:23 AM with the headline "DeWine calls FEMA camp conspiracy ‘ridiculous’."