COVID-19 Hospitalizations Hit New High In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — Hospitalizations related to COVID-19 hit a new high in Ohio this week, the state health department announced Wednesday.

As of Tuesday, data from the Ohio Hospital Association shows that 1,122 COVID-positive patients were being treated in hospitals. Of those, 348 Ohioans are in intensive care units and 174 patients are on a ventilator.

“Our case numbers have remained high during the past month. We know there is a lag between when people are infected with the virus and when they start to feel sick and ultimately are hospitalized,” said Lance D. Himes, interim director of the Ohio Department of Health. “Ohioans have worked hard to slow the spread of this disease. However, these numbers are a stark reminder that this virus is very much still with us.

The previous high for COVID-positive patients was in late April, when 1,103 patients were being treated in Ohio hospitals.

Himes said Ohio's hospitals are better prepared now to handle surges in COVID-19-positive patients. That does not mean, he said, Ohioans can abandon health and safety protocols.

“We must remain vigilant and take every precaution to protect ourselves including staying home when possible, frequent hand washing, wearing masks and social distancing," Himes said.