The number of new COVID-19 cases in the state rose while deaths exceeded 100 for the second straight day.

The virus is showing little sign of letting up in Ohio as the number of cases has exceeded 5,000 every day since Nov. 10 except for one day — Dec. 28 with 4,519 cases. That’s nearly two months in a row.

On Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Health reported 7,814 new COVID-19 cases. This came after 7,580 cases were reported Tuesday and 5,942 Monday. The daily average number of cases is 7,526 for the past 21 days.

Also, 121 COVID-19 fatalities were reported Wednesday, a day after 104 deaths were listed, according to ODH.

There were no COVID-19 deaths reported Wednesday in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties. The daily average number of deaths in the state is 76 for the past 21 days.

There were 742,817 total COVID-19 cases Wednesday in the state, with 605,474 presumed recovered and 9,368 fatalities.

A total of 4,319 people were hospitalized in Ohio as of Wednesday with COVID-19, a decrease of about 150 from Tuesday, the state health department reported.

ODH reported 15,529 total COVID-19 cases Wednesday in Mahoning County with 12,778 presumed recovered and 315 deaths.

The state listed 11,353 total COVID-19 cases Wednesday in Trumbull County with 9,630 presumed recovered and 278 fatalities.

Columbiana County had 6,430 total cases Wednesday with 5,343 presumed recovered and 120 deaths.

ODH’s website had “technical difficulties” Wednesday with the number of people vaccinated in the state.

The state has struggled to vaccinate those ODH declared eligible to receive it. The vaccine requires two doses.

That includes health care workers and personnel routinely involved in the care of COVID-19 patients, emergency medical responders and those who live and / or work in congregate settings, such as those in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.

Also in about two weeks, the state will start to vaccinate those at least 65 years old, K-12 teachers and staff at schools that are full-time or want to be, as well as certain people with medical disorders.

dskolnick@tribtoday.com