Ohio Reports 3rd Most Deaths from COVID-19

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Health Tuesday reported 130 new deaths related to COVID-19, the third most in one day since the start of the pandemic.

As of Dec. 22, there have been 8,252 cumulative COVID-related deaths in the state. The ODH also reported 7,678 new cases of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, bringing the state’s cumulative count to 637,032, as well as 546 new hospitalizations, bringing that cumulative total to 35,594. Of those hospitalized, 5,588 were intensive care admissions, up 51 from yesterday

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 8,262 new cases Tuesday, bringing the commonwealth’s total to 571,551. The commonwealth reported 231 new deaths as well.

In Mahoning County, the ODH reports 13,345 cases Tuesday, up 223 over the past 24 hours, with 777 hospitalizations and 311 deaths.

The ODH reports 9,940 cases in Trumbull County, 159 new cases since Monday, with 714 hospitalizations, 10 new, and 233 deaths.

In Columbiana County, the ODH reports 5,598 positive cases as of Tuesday, up 60 from yesterday, along with 378 hospitalizations and 117 deaths.

Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties are rated Red in the state’s color-coded Public Health Advisory System, indicating very high exposure and spread. All 88 counties in the state are at least Orange level, indicating increased exposure and spread.

Currently, Richland County is the only ranked Purple – the highest threat level – indicating severe exposure and spread and recommending that residents leave their homes only for supplies and services.

Of the total cases reported by Ohio Department of Health, 576,802 are confirmed. ODH reported 60,230 probable cases based on the CDC’s expanded case definition. Of the 8,252 total deaths, 7,530 are confirmed and another 722 are probable under the CDC expanded diagnosis definition. The 21-day reported case average is 9,854.

The ODH also reports cumulative 35,594 hospitalizations, of which 5,588 are intensive care admissions. The state reports a presumed 467,570 Ohioans have recovered after testing positive. Presumed recovered is defined as cases with a symptom onset date of greater than 21 days prior who are not deceased, according to the ODH website.

As of Tuesday, Ohio had conducted 7,318,727 tests. CLICK HERE for a map of testing locations in the state.

In Pennsylvania, 517,859 of the total cases in the commonwealth are confirmed, according to the state’s Department of Health, and 53,692 are probable. There are 6,151 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the commonwealth, of whom 1,236 are in the ICU and 772 on a ventilator.

Pennsylvania also reports 14,212 total deaths, up 231 from Monday.

Of all tests conducted in Pennsylvania, 3,168,882 were reported negative, the department reported Tuesday. With positive cases, 61% have recovered. If a case has not been reported as a death and it is more than 30 days past the date of their first positive test or onset of symptoms, then the person is considered recovered, according to the health department’s website.

The health department reported Mercer County has 5,320 cases as of Tuesday, up 79, and 108 deaths – up three – with 20,978 negative tests. Lawrence County has 3,795 total cases, 54 new cases since Monday, and 112 deaths, as well as 13,909 negative tests.

The figures are updated daily by the Ohio Department of Health at 2 p.m. and Pennsylvania Department of Health at noon.

For more stories on the coronavirus and its impact on businesses, both locally and nationally, go to our coronavirus news page here.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.