DeWine addresses rumors surrounding FEMA camps, family separation in Ohio: ‘Absolutely ridiculous’

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine took time out of his regularly-scheduled coronavirus press briefing Tuesday to address rumors of family separations and “FEMA camps” that would allegedly house individuals against their will under a mandatory quarantine in Ohio.

“I am aware there are internet rumors that incorrectly claim these orders allow children to be separated from parents without permission,” Gov. DeWine stated. “This is not in our order and there is no truth to the rumor. Families will not be separated, and kids will not be away from their loved ones.”

The rumor stems from the state government approving funding to create safe housing options for those recovering from the coronavirus.

DeWine insisted that the state has not and will not force anybody to utilize these housing options, including children, as some internet rumors have falsely claimed.

“This order creates a funding mechanism to allow for federal reimbursement for those looking to create places for people to safely isolate or quarantine. It has been used in a handful of cases in Ohio, but not in any large-scale way,” DeWine said.

DeWine called the rumors “crazy” and “ridiculous.”

“Having quarantine housing options gives people the choice of a safe, comfortable place to recover from the virus while others can stay in the original housing,” the governor added.

This order creates a funding mechanism to allow for federal reimbursement for those looking to create places for people to safely isolate or quarantine. It has been used in a handful of cases in Ohio, but not in any large-scale way.

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) September 8, 2020