Ohio Governor Orders Suspension of Presidential Primary Schedule Amid COVID-19 Spread Concerns

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The Democratic presidential primary in the United States has also been disrupted due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The governor of Ohio has suspended the primary election schedule over concerns about the spread of the infection.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to U.S. media on the 16th (local time), Ohio Governor Mike DeWine halted the primary voting process. This decision attracted attention as it defied even the U.S. court's ruling that the primary must proceed.

Earlier, Amy Acton, Director of the Ohio Department of Health, announced, "Ohio polling stations will be closed due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19." She added, "This measure will remain in effect until the emergency declared by the governor is lifted."

DeWine, a member of the Republican Party, had previously requested the court to postpone the primary schedule to June due to concerns about the infectious disease. However, the court did not accept this request. CNN reported that it is unclear whether the decision to suspend the voting process violated the court's ruling.

Florida, Arizona, and Illinois are proceeding with their primary schedules as planned.

U.S. media have evaluated Governor DeWine as taking proactive measures regarding COVID-19. He is recognized as one of the first U.S. governors to issue school closure orders.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.