Coronavirus Testing Protocol Announced In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio Department of Health will be able to get test results in 24 to 48 hours for anyone suspected of contracting the new coronavirus (COVID-19), officials announced. More than 250 Ohioans are currently being monitored by officials, but no one has tested positive for the virus. Four people are currently awaiting test results.

“As the COVID-19 situation evolves, the Ohio Department of Health, working in conjunction with hospitals, primary care providers, and other health care experts, has a plan to maximize our testing resources. We are prioritizing the patients who are the most vulnerable to be tested in the Department of Health’s State Laboratory, while ensuring those that need COVID-19 testing will be able to be tested,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

Dr. Amy Acton, the director of the Ohio Department of Health, said she is expecting a coronavirus case in Ohio, "any day now," Fox 8 reported. Health officials have launched a call center, staffed by nurses and other medical personnel, to answer questions about the spread of coronavirus. The new call center will be open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and can be reached at 1-833-427-5634.

There are currently 566 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in the U.S., according to Johns Hopkins University. Twenty-two Americans have died because of the virus. COVID-19 has hit Washington, California and New York.

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Ohioans who are hospitalized and meet certain criteria will be tested and their samples will be sent to the Ohio Department of Health laboratory. The criteria patients must meet to qualify for COVID-19 testing are:

• Have a fever or signs of a lower respiratory illness (coughing, shortness of breath) and had close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient with past 14 days
• Have a fever or signs of lower respiratory illness and traveled to an area with widespread or community sustained transmission of COVID-19
• Have a fever with severe acute lower respiratory illness and no alternative diagnosis (meaning they tested negative for rapid flu and negative on a respiratory viral panel

Last week, Ohio officials barred fans from attending the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus. DeWine said the presence of international competitors and spectators, along with the promise of free movement throughout the city, made the presence of fans untenable.

The Ohio Department of Health said residents should follow the same health and safety tips they practice during flu season to 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.
• Stay home if you become sick.
• 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.