Ohio surpasses 100K-case milestone
The total number of coronavirus cases in Ohio hit six digits Sunday.
The Ohio Department of Health reported the number of COVID-19 cases statewide has reached 100,848 since the pandemic began in March, after 879 more cases were reported Sunday.
Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties added 30 new cases Sunday but no new deaths. The state had one new death reported Sunday, bringing the total to 3,669.
Total hospitalizations in the state are listed at 11,565, with 2,665 intensive care unit admissions.
Mahoning County added 22 cases since Saturday’s briefing, bringing the total there to 2,554. The Mahoning County Public Health Department has reported 422 hospitalizations and 255 deaths in the county.
An additional six cases were reported in Trumbull County for a total of 1,524 cases, 299 hospitalizations and 106 deaths.
Columbiana County reported two more cases, leaving the county with 1,658 cases, 179 hospitalizations and 60 deaths.
Last Thursday, Gov. Mike DeWine initially tested positive for COVID-19 when he took a test as part of the standard protocol to greet President Donald Trump on the tarmac at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland.
However, a second test administered to DeWine later Thursday in Columbus showed he tested negative for COVID-19. First lady Fran DeWine and staff members also all tested negative for COVID-19, according to the governor’s office.
On Saturday, DeWine and his wife took a another test, which came up negative a second time.
Dr. Peter Mohler from Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center, where the DeWines received their test, said last week the majority of Ohioans have used the PCR test that is the “gold standard.” He said the test is the most accurate type. Antigen tests are faster, but less accurate.
DeWine said last week informal gatherings across the state are driving numbers up.
Announcements on college, professional and high school sports likely will be made sometime this week, the governor said.
All students K-12 will have to wear masks in the classroom this fall, as DeWine said Tuesday he will sign an Ohio Department of Health order.
Previously, Ohio’s mask mandate included only students 10 years of age and older.
Students with special needs will have exceptions, DeWine added.