4th Coronavirus Case In Ohio, 1st Case Of Community Spread

COLUMBUS, OH — There are now four confirmed cases of coronavirus, COVID-19, in Ohio, health officials announced on Wednesday. The infected person lives in Stark County, according to Canton City Public Health, and is the first example of community spread in Ohio.

The man did not travel outside the U.S. and had no known contact with anyone who has been confirmed as contracting COVID-19, said Dr. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health. She said those are the criteria for defining a new case as community spread.

"From all indications, we do have community spread," Acton said. She said additional cases are expected in coming days.

Gov. Mike DeWine said the infected man is 53-years-old. He began showing symptoms on Feb. 25. He is hospitalized at Mercy Medical Center. DeWine also said this is the first case of community spread.

Stark County officials are trying to head off any panic. Canton's Mayor Thomas Bernabei said residents need to remain calm. He said a single confirmed coronavirus case is not a cause for panic. The mayor added that all emergency and public services will continue unabated.

“We are working closely with the Ohio Department of Health, following protocols and guidance in place, to identify close contacts of this individual who will be instructed to self-quarantine, and public health will monitor for 14 days,” said Jim Adams, Canton's Health Commissioner. “Our focus right now is to support the care of this individual and protect the health of our residents.”

Due to the evolving nature of the virus' spread, DeWine said he and Acton, will be issuing mandates on large social gatherings in Ohio. These orders will likely include all of DeWine's recommendations from earlier this week — and could include barring spectators from upcoming NCAA basketball games and professional sports in Ohio.

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The state is waiting on COVID-19 test results for 24 people, according to the Ohio Department of Health. So far, 21 people have tested negative for the virus.

Another 255 Ohioans are being monitored by health officials.

DeWine said Ohio does not want to become Italy, where the entire nation has been quarantined.

Ohio's first confirmed cases of COVID-19 were announced on Monday. All three infected people live in Cuyahoga County and all three remain in isolation, according to Acton. She said she believes the virus will spread throughout the state.

Acton said the virus is particularly worrisome for Ohio's elderly.

To protect Ohio's elderly, DeWine is also issuing a mandate restricting visitors to nursing homes to one person per day. If the virus spreads more extensively, all visitors may be banned, the governor said.

There are currently 1,050 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., Johns Hopkins University reported. Twenty-nine Americans have been killed by the virus.

Anyone who suspects they may have contracted the virus should call their healthcare provider. Officials said patients should be assessed by phone or by their family doctor before going to a hospital.

Catch up with Patch's stories on how COVID-19 is impacting life in Ohio:

• St. Patrick's Day Parade In Cleveland Cancelled
• MAC Basketball Tournaments Closed To Public
• Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden Cancel Cleveland Rallies
• Avoid All Large Gatherings, Ohio Governor Says