Coronavirus cases in Ohio
Published 6:41 am Friday, March 27, 2020
COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine said on Thursday that the number of coronavirus cases in Ohio stands at 867.
Of those, 223 have been hospitalized and there have been 15 fatalities. Cases range in age from one to 94 years and break down as 53 per- cent male and 47 percent female.
The state’s coronavirus website, located at https://coro- navirus.ohio.gov/wps/ portal/gov/covid-19, now has a new interactive feature which allows users to see breakdowns by county. As of Thursday, there was one reported case in Lawrence County.
With the onset of warm weather, DeWine said it is OK for people to visit parks, but to be sure to maintain social distance. He advised parents to keep children away from playground equipment.
The governor also said while basketball is “a great sport,” he has spoken with local officials who have taken down hoops at parks to prevent close contact and advised against playing during this time.
“We want you to go outside, but you have to keep your distance,” the governor said.
The governor also spoke of Ohio’s K-12 schools, which are on an extended spring break due to the state of emergency.
“Is it possible we don’t get back to school this academic year?” DeWine said. “Absolutely. But we just don’t know yet. Our teachers, administrators, parents – they’re doing amazing work with distance learning.”
Dr. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health said, based on the best data we have currently in the state, the peak surge of the virus could result in us seeing 6,000 to 8,000 new cases a day.
“The more we can push that surge off, the better hospitals can prepare their systems,” Acton said.