Ohio Surpasses 30,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio has confirmed more than 30,000 new coronavirus cases since the outbreak began in mid-March, the state health department announced Thursday. Hospitalizations and intensive care admissions were also higher on Thursday than their three-week average, according to state data.

There were 97 hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in the past 24 hours in Ohio. Over the past three weeks, Ohio had averaged 84 new hospitalizations daily because of the virus. At least 28 people were also admitted to intensive care because of COVID-19, up versus the state's average of 17 new ICU admissions daily over the past three weeks.

Here are how many new COVID-19 cases were added each day this week in Ohio:

• Sunday — 449
• Monday — 531
• Tuesday — 498
• Wednesday — 484
• Thursday — 731

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Exploring Racial Disparities

African Americans in Ohio have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, according to Gov. Mike DeWine. While African Americans make up 13 to 14 percent of Ohio's total population, but 26 percent of all people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Ohio are African American.

"And as governor, my job is to help protect the safety of all of our communities. We have an obligation to be even more mindful in our response to helping those at higher risk. It should not matter where you live or what race you are. We have an obligation to help all Ohioans," DeWine said Thursday.

The governor said he is authorizing the creation of two new dashboards on the state's coronavirus website, both of which will track the health and well being of vulnerable populations.

Read more: Racial Disparities In Cuyahoga County Highlighted By Coronavirus

State leaders formed the Minority Health Strike Force in April to study the impact of COVID-19 and make policy recommendations. The group was tasked specifically with examining the interaction of underlying health conditions, improving access to healthcare, and discrimination when accessing healthcare.

That strike force should release preliminary findings this week, DeWine said.

New Reopenings

Catering and banquet centers can reopen on June 1, under similar guidelines to restaurants. Crowds at those facilities, for things like wedding receptions, must be limited to 300 people, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced Thursday.

Bowling alleys, miniature golf and batting cages can reopen May 26, Husted added.

Skills training and conditioning for Ohio student athletes can begin May 26 and continue through the summer, Husted noted. Games, scrimmages and tournaments are still prohibited for contact sports.

School buildings can be used for athletic training, altering the existing health orders which closed school facilities to students and the public.

"Conversations are ongoing with the Ohio High School Athletic Association on how we can [restart contact sports]," Husted said.

More reading:

• Ohio Now Has A Health Advisory: Here's What's Changing
• New Coronavirus Cases Will Increase In Ohio, Model Predicts
• Ohio Campgrounds Can Now Reopen, New Safety Regulations In Place