Coronavirus Hospitalizations On The Rise In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — COVID-19-related hospitalizations are trending up in Ohio.

Gov. Mike DeWine said rural Ohio is driving a new surge in hospitalizations in the Buckeye State. The western part of Ohio has seen the largest increase in hospital admissions since July, while central and northeast Ohio have seen fewer hospital admissions.

The average age of Ohioans being hospitalized for COVID-19 is also trending older. Ohioans 60 and older now account for nearly 70 percent of all COVID hospital admissions. In July, that same age demographic were only 50 percent of COVID hospitalizations.

"As we said earlier in August and September, spread among the young and healthy will eventually impact those who are older and more vulnerable, which is why it is so very important that younger Ohioans do all they can to prevent spread," DeWine said.

The governor said all regions of the state still have adequate hospital capacity to treat Ohioans infected with COVID-19.

Hospitalizations hit a high in mid-July before starting to decline. Over the past month, health officials have tracked a steady uptick in Ohioans being hospitalized because of the virus. On Tuesday, more than 130 Ohioans entered hospitals for COVID-19 treatment.

"Each of us can demonstrate our love and respect for our fellow Ohioans by wearing a mask, avoiding large gatherings, keeping at least 6 feet of distance from others, and frequently washing our hands. This is in our control," DeWine said.