The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department announced its first presumptive case of coronavirus in the county. The person, who was not identified, had recent travel to an area where the infection is present.
This brings to 27 the number of COVID-19 cases in the state. Counties with confirmed cases are:
- Cuyahoga – 11
- Butler – 4
- Stark – 3
- Belmont – 2
- Summit – 2
- Trumbull – 2
- Franklin – 1
- Lorain – 1
In a Saturday press conference, Dr. Amy Acton, director of health for the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), said it’s possible that many people in the state have already had the virus, but thought it was either a cold or the flu.
The state has 264 Persons Under Investigation (PUI). These are individuals who have been tested but whose results are still pending. According to ODH, they show signs of “respiratory illness and, within 14 days of symptoms starting, either traveled to an area with active COVID-19 transmission or been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19.” There are also 85 people who tested negative.
Megan Smith, Public Information Officer or ODH, said test results usually take between 24-48 hours.
Currently, the state’s lab is providing testing for anyone who is hospitalized and has a fever or signs of lower respiratory illness and
- been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient within 14 days of the onset of symptoms, or
- has a history of travel from an infected geographic area with sustained community transmission within 14 days of onset of symptoms.
If you meet these criteria and are not hospitalized, you should contact your physician or health care provider. If the doctor believes COVID-19 testing is required, the test will be sent to nearby private laboratory that has the ability to conduct the test. Only a doctor can order the test.
Anyone with questions about the coronavirus can call ODH at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
