Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine and state health leaders announced Saturday that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state had doubled in one day.
Currently, the Buckeye State has a total of 26 cases, 14 males and 12 females, and 264 people under investigation, according to the Ohio Department of Health (OHD). People’s age with the virus ranges from 31 to 86 years old with a mean age of 53 years old, according to OHD Director Amy Acton.
Eight counties in Ohio have a confirmed case of the virus:
- Belmont: two
- Butler: four
- Cuyahoga: 11
- Franklin: one
- Lorain: one
- Stark: three
- Summit: two
- Trumbull: two
DeWine said each day we expect to see the number of cases continue to climb.
“This is going to be awhile. We don’t know when this peaks out. We don’t know how fast it’ll go back down,” he said. “The best estimate from Dr. Acton is late April, early May as far as when this might peak. We’re going to be doing this for a while.”
Furthermore, in preparation for M-95 face masks shortages DeWine requested dentists and veterinarians postpone elective surgeries, which are surgeries that don’t involve medical emergencies. The governor also asked people to delay these surgeries so hospital rooms can be kept open.
Acton added the state might make orders to redirect the N-95 masks to health care institutions.
In an effort to deal with people’s stress and anxiety levels increasing, DeWine filed emergency rules that will help with emergency mental health telehealth coverage.
“We are filing emergency rules to allow complete mental health telehealth coverage throughout #Ohio. This will allow patients to use cell phones, facetime, etc., to talk with doctors, the governor tweeted. “It also eliminates requirements that the first mental health appointment be conducted in person.
We are filing emergency rules to allow complete mental health telehealth coverage throughout #Ohio. This will allow patients to use cell phones, facetime, etc., to talk with doctors. It also eliminates requirements that the first mental health appointment be conducted in person.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 14, 2020
Ohio has been one of the most aggressive states at combating the coronavirus. Earlier this week, DeWine closed public schools temporarily and banned mass gatherings.
For resources on the coronavirus, please visit ODH’s COVID-19 website or call the hotline at 833-4-ASK-ODH.
Watch the full press conference:
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media. If you have any tips, email Zachery at [email protected].
