'We Are In This For The Long Run': Coronavirus Update In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — There are now 26 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, known as COVID-19, in Ohio, officials announced Saturday. The Ohio Department of Health is awaiting COVID-19 test results for another 264 Ohioans.

The number of confirmed cases doubled between Friday and Saturday afternoon, based on Ohio Department of Health statistics. The age range of infected people is between 33 and 86. Seven people have been hospitalized because of the virus.

"We are in this for the long run. This is not going to end overnight," Gov. Mike DeWine said. He added that the COVID-19 outbreak is not a sprint. Ohioans will have to adjust to a new form of living for a long stretch, the governor noted.

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The first COVID-19 case in Ohio was confirmed and reported on Monday. Over the course of the week, the state has confirmed 25 more COVID-19 cases statewide. DeWine believes many more Ohioans may have the virus and will not be tested.

"You don't know who has it," DeWine said. He said people may not know they are carrying the virus and unintentionally spread it. The governor urged Ohioans to be cautious.

Dr. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health, said many people may have thought they had a cold, or even the flu, but actually contracted COVID-19. She said medical professionals and state leaders must deploy mitigating strategies, including early interventions to prevent further spread of the virus.

"The actions we're taking will make a difference, but we have to make these decisions now," Acton said.

How to Help

Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted outlined a few ways Ohioans can help each other through the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Have a generous spirit," Husted said. He addressed anyone who has been hoarding materials to see if they can share their goods locally.

Here are Husted's tips:

• Donate to the local food bank
• Donate blood — Contact the Red Cross to schedule a time to donate.
• Check in on your neighbors, see what you can do to help

Dentists, veterinarians and Ohioans are being asked to postpone elective surgeries. DeWine said delaying those procedures will preserve personal protection equipment for doctors and keep hospital rooms open.

Limiting surgical procedures will also improve social distancing in Ohio hospitals, Dr. Andrew Thomas of the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center said.

Closures and Precautions

The spread of the virus has disrupted day-to-day life for many Ohioans. Schools, museums, concerts, casinos and other gathering places have been closed by state order or as a precaution and companies are beginning to ask workers to telecommute. Visitation at nursing homes, hospitals and prisons is restricted. Exceptions will be made for end-of-life scenarios at nursing homes, DeWine said.

The governor said parents who are able to take their children out of daycare should do so. He said officials are still mulling an order to close all daycare facilities statewide.

Hospitals around Ohio are beginning to limit visitor access, Thomas said. He added that hospitals will also begin screening visitors to ensure they are not bringing the virus in with them.

Lori Criss, the director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health, announced Saturday that telemedicine options — via landline and internet — will be expanded throughout the state. If a person needs mental health treatment for the first time, they will now be able to have that first appointment via telehealth.

"These are important actions for us to take," Criss said. The measures will, she said, protect both patients and healthcare providers.

The Ohio Department of Health's COVID-19 call center will answer any questions about the telemedicine policies. The call center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

Ohioans are being urged to practice social distancing — limiting their exposure to other people — until this outbreak slows.Health officials said Ohioans should follow many of the same health and safety tips they practice during flu season to help halt the spread of coronavirus.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

More COVID-19 reading from across Patch:

The New Coronavirus: Your Questions Answered —Misinformation has swirled with the spread of the new coronavirus. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 virus.

Coronavirus: Why You Must Act Now — Online publishing platform Medium tackles what politicians, community and business leaders should be doing to fight the virus.

12 Work-From-Home Tips — Some 8 million people were already working from home before the spread of coronavirus. Here are some tips to making it work.