A director's order published on the official OHD website outlines how the State of Ohio and FEMA, under "emergency protective measures," will set up "non-congregate sheltering for those who are unable to safely self-quarantine in their place of residence and to isolate those diagnosed with or showing signs of COVID-19."

The facilities are designed to hold people who have been "exposed" to coronavirus but don't need hospitalization and those deemed "asymptomatic high-risk individuals needing social distancing as a precautionary measure."

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency is in the process of identifying both public and private facilities that could be re-purposed as sheltering facilities.

The order also directs public colleges and universities to "make available vacant grounds, buildings and facilities" for "temporary use as non-congregate sheltering to prevent the spread of COVID-19," including medical facilities.

Colleges and universities providing such facilities will be seen as performing a "public duty" and will therefore be immune from civil liability under the order.

The order will take effect immediately and is currently due to expire in 90 days or at a time "to be determined by the Director of Health."