Coronavirus Update: Cuyahoga Officials Expect More Testing Soon

CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga County health officials expect to see an increase in local testing capability for new coronavirus, COVID-19, in the next week or two, Cuyahoga County Board of Health Commissioner Terry Allan said on Thursday morning.

Currently, residents who are very ill and meet CDC criteria will have their samples tested by the Ohio Department of Health.

Ohio now has five confirmed cases of coronavirus, COVID-19, DeWine announced Thursday afternoon. As the virus continues to spread in Ohio, officials are banning any gathering of more than 100 people and are giving Ohio students an extended spring break of three weeks, starting Tuesday, March 17.

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Three infected people live in Cuyahoga County. They began feeling ill between Feb. 29 and March 7, Allan said. None of those infected persons have been hospitalized.

Health officials are still identifying who may have had contact with the three infected Cuyahoga County residents. A total number of their contacts is expected to be released soon, Allan said.

Allan and other health officials are working with more than 100 area school superintendents to provide up-to-date information on the spread of the virus. School closures will be done on a case-by-case basis, in coordination with school administrations and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, Allan said.

Here's how COVID-19 is affecting life around Northeast Ohio:

• 1 Avon Polling Location Moved Due To COVID-19 Fears
• Heights Libraries To Remain Open Amid COVID-19 Fears
• Lakewood Schools Cancel, Postpone Events Due To Coronavirus
• Berea Students, Staff Do Not Have Coronavirus, District Says
• Strongsville Schools Will Close On March 17