With the Ohio Department of Health reporting cases of COVID-19 increasing statewide reaching more than 35,000 on Sunday the Mahoning Valley is seeing fewer cases and few deaths.

As of Sunday, in addition to the 35,513 cases, 2,155 deaths have been reported to date in Ohio with 6,049 hospitalizations and 1,556 intensive care unit admissions.

In Mahoning County, there are 1,431 cases with 311 hospitalizations and 174 deaths.

Trumbull County has 573 confirmed cases and 48 deaths with 157 hospitalizations. There were no deaths over the weekend.

Columbiana County case totals are 793 with 53 deaths and 133 hospitalizations. There was one more death reported since Sunday.

Gov. Mike DeWine did not hold a news conference this weekend and is next scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday.

At Thursday’s briefing, DeWine announced the state is expanding its criteria for who can get tested for coronavirus. He said pharmacists, who are at the front line of the health-care system have received approval from the Ohio Pharmacy Board to order and administer COVID-19 tests in Ohio.

DeWine said testing for coronavirus in nursing homes will start today.

On Friday, DeWine announced Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton signed three orders, including guidance on reopening gyms, guidance on conducting sports, and the use of schools for use as day camps.

Starting June 8, assisted- living facilities and intermediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities can allow outside visitation. DeWine has not made a decision yet on nursing home visitation. Facilities will be asked to create a plan for social distancing, masks and taking the temperature of visitors.

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DeWine also last week discussed guidelines being released on junior fairs, and decisions about county and independent fairs will need to be made locally.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles deputy registrar offices reopened last week. The BMV says there is no need to rush in. Many services can be performed online. Due to Ohio’s continued state of emergency declaration, expired licenses and ID cards are still valid for a period of time.

Gyms reopened Tuesday, with guidelines in place.

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