State Reports 20 New Nursing Home Virus Deaths in Valley
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Gov. Mike DeWine says all of the statistical data the state has relating to the coronavirus is being made public, but admits he is happy to look at suggestions of possibly adding different data or presenting it in a different way.
The governor was responding to a reporter’s question during Thursday’s press conference about whether data was being released in real time, as well as more detail on long-term care facility data and releasing the number of people who have recovered from COVID-19. The reporter also referenced a statement from state Rep. Diane Grendell, R-76, Chesterland, of her support of COVID statistic legislation.
“This administration has laid out, in graphic detail, day after day after day throughout this all of the information we have,” DeWine said. “I will look at that letter and I’ll determine if there are things in there we can put together for a bigger or a more accurate picture or more complete picture. Virtually none of the data that we are releasing would have been available a year ago.”
The total number of deaths in long-term care facilities had remained in flux – with several media outlets and the Ohio Department of Health reporting different figures – until this morning, when the total number was listed at the top of page reporting mortalities. There have been 1,073 deaths among residents living in senior care centers.
There were 20 new total deaths reported between May 22 and May 27 at nursing homes and assisted living centers in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. In total, 143 residents in the area have died because of the coronavirus since April 15, when mortality rates were made public by the Ohio Department of Health.
The Ohio Department of Health reports 13 resident deaths in senior-care centers in Mahoning County, bringing the county’s total to 100. Columbiana County had two new deaths, bringing the number to 23 and Trumbull County recorded five deaths for a total of 20 residents. Deaths of senior-care center residents prior to April 15 are not available.
Mahoning County reports the highest numbers of residents and staff. Officials have said the number of cases would increase as more testing has become available. There were 117 new cases of COVID-19 among residents in the week, with 473 cumulative cases. The number of new positive cases among staff is 38, with 202 cumulative cases.
Columbiana County had no residents test positive in the past week and reports 75 cumulative cases among residents. One staff member tested positive and there are 11 cumulative cases among staff.
Trumbull County had 13 new residents test positive for COVID-19 and 47 cumulative cases. There were six staff members who tested positive for the virus, bringing the total to 12 cases.
DeWine said his staff has been able to provide statistics by working with the hospitals, plugging in the data and working with it in real time. He said one of the complaints he gets has to do with people who have recovered.
“We don’t track patients, but you can pretty much do the math. If you look at the people who enter the hospital, look at the number who died and the rest of them obviously have recovered, you can almost do the math in your head,” DeWine said. “We’re grateful they recovered. We want them to recover. But if there are other ways or other data that we can get I’ll be happy to do that.”
The initial state database posted in mid-April was taken down after the state said it contained incorrect information.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
