New cases of COVID-19 reported Saturday in Ohio were on par with figures reported in the last week, and total cases are approaching the 900,000 mark, which could be reached in the next few days.

In the state, 4,191 new COVID-19 cases were reported — the lowest number in the past seven days. Of those, 62 new cases were reported in Trumbull County, 92 in Mahoning County, and 15 in Columbiana County.

Deaths increased by 51 in Ohio, including one in Trumbull County, and remained the same in Mahoning and Columbiana counties, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

As the state begins vaccinating school employees with the goal of bringing all K-12 students back into the classroom by March 1, state officials want adults to look for signs of distress in teens and children.

“School is community for our youth,” Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director Lori Criss said. “It benefits kids so much more than academic content. It’s the social and emotional connections that kids feel with friends, classmates, extracurriculars, teachers and more.”

According to the ODMHAS, the change of routine and the constant uncertainty of the pandemic produces anxiety, and the disconnection from learning, emotional and social supports can lead to depression. In addition, missed significant life events like graduations, proms, art performances, science competitions, sports and more can result in grief, Gov. Mike DeWine’s office states in an email.

Families and friends should reach out for help if a young person is talking about feeling hopeless; worrying about being a burden; feeling like there’s no reason to live; using drugs, alcohol or engaging in other risky behaviors; struggling with school; and disconnecting from family and friends.

People can call the Northeast Ohio Help Network at 211 for assistance in connecting to assistance, mental health services and substance-use disorder resources.

rfox@tribtoday.com