Gov. Mike DeWine reflected Friday on receiving a false positive COVID-19 test the day before.

“It was quite a big shock,” he said, as he hasn’t displayed symptoms.

As a result, his wife, Fran, and those working closely with him were all tested, and all were negative.

The governor said the initial test was done as part of the protocol ahead of spending time with President Donald Trump, who had a stop in Cleveland on Thursday.

DeWine was first given an antigen test administered through Case Western Reserve University. Following the positive reading, the DeWines returned to their home.

Then, the governor had another test administered by The Ohio State University, a PCR test (a molecular test of the virus genetic material), which came back negative.

Results were run again — and still were negative, DeWine said.

Peter Molnar, chief scientific officer at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explained during Friday’s news conference that the PCR testing is a “gold standard” and is the most accurate.

About 90 percent of the tests administered in Ohio have been PCR tests. “It’s the best and most accurate test in the world,” Molnar said.

Next would be a quick test that is done at emergency rooms, and last is the antigen test, Molnar said.

The PCR test is “incredibly sensitive” and “accurate” Molnar explained, looking at the biology of the virus. The antigen tests look at the protein, he said, and scientists still are learning about it.

DeWine also discussed contact tracing, which is conducted by 113 health departments across the state.

Gathering data has been frustrating, he said, because the data systems used within the state are outdated or not meant to have the information easily extracted.

The information also is entered differently, further adding to confusion.

DeWine said for now, officials are bypassing the systems and going to each health department to get as much local information as possible about outbreaks.

Both DeWine and Lt. Gov. John Husted said plans for sports across the state will be discussed next week.

Still, DeWine said school districts are putting students’ health first, preparing for the upcoming school year.

“When we talk about our students, when we talk about our student-athletes, I truly believe that the schools are doing everything they absolutely can to protect our students,” DeWine said.

Husted said a $50 million grant program will be retroactive for purchases made back to July 1 for internet access.

Applications for the grant will be open through Aug. 21, and school districts will be notified the week of Aug. 31, Husted said.

On Friday, the state reported 98,675 cases of COVID-19.

Mahoning County reported 2,502, with Trumbull at 1,493 and Columbiana with 1,634 cases.

In Trumbull County, no new deaths were recorded as the Trumbull County Combined Health District reported 102 deaths to date.

Mahoning and Columbiana also did not see an increase, reporting 254 and 60 deaths, respectively.

So far in Trumbull, 1,159 people have been presumed to be recovered from the virus, while 1,922 have recovered in Mahoning and 1,416 in Columbiana.

COVID-19 by the numbers

The number of cases, changes in cases and deaths in counties in the region and statewide as of Friday:

County Cases Change since Change since Deaths

yesterday last week

Trumbull 1,493 +12 +107 102

Mahoning 2,502 +25 +131 254

Columbiana 1,634 +16 +69 60

Ohio 98,675 +1,204 +7,516 3,618

SOURCE: Ohio Department of Health