Coronavirus: Ohio Illness Count Rises To 24,081, 1,341 Deaths

COLUMBUS, OH — The total number of new coronavirus cases across Ohio rose to at least 384 to 24,081 on Sunday from the previous day as the state increases the number of daily tests for the respiratory illness.

According to a dashboard upated daily by the Ohio Department of Health, the number number of current hospitalizations for the illness stood at 4,351. To date, there have been 1,220 confirmed deaths in Ohio, health officials noted on the statistical dashboard, with 1,341 total deaths.

The number of new coronavirus cases on Sunday is less than the 680-plus posted the previous day. Prior to Saturday, the state had been adding some 642 cases per day. The recent diagnosis uptick is likely attributable to expanded testing for the illness — from 7,000 tests daily to 8,000 each day — which has yielded more positive tests.

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According to the dashboard, the median age of the afllicted is 51. More than half of those coming down with the illness, 54 percent, are male with the remainder (45 percent) female, health officials noted on the dashboard.

The updated illness totals come as the state prepares to open bars, personal care services and restaurants in the second phase of an economy reopening. Businesses have been closed since mid-March in adherence to physical distancing guidelines that are seen as the most effective tactic to blunt the spread of an illness for which there is no vaccine.

Even as he prepares to direct the next phase of economic reignition, Gov. Mike DeWine reminded residents last week of the continued threat of coronavirus: "Reopening Ohio is a risk," he conceded, "but it's also a risk if you don't move forward. We're on a dangerous road that has never been traveled before in Ohio and the danger is that we relax and stop taking precautions," he added, ticking off social distancing, hand washing and wearing of fabric facial coverings as still-needed measures.

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Still, DeWine outlined a schedule of imminent reopenings:

RESTAURANTS/BARS

Restaurants and bars in Ohio will be permitted to reopen as follows:

• Outdoor dining: May 15
• Dine-in service: May 21

To ensure that these establishments operate in the safest manner possible, the governor's Restaurant Advisory Group created a detailed list of guidelines and best practices for restaurant and bar owners to follow. The full list of mandatory, the governor noted, and recommended best practices can be found at coronaviurs.ohio.gov.

PERSONAL CARE SERVICES

Personal care services such as hair salons, barbershops, day spas, nail salons, and tanning facilities may reopen on May 15.

A Personal Services Advisory Group was created for this industry sector as well, detailing best practices for personal care service providers to follow. The full list of mandatory and recommended best practices can be found at coronaviurs.ohio.gov.

The governor's directives ahead of the second phase of reopening can be seen on Ohio Channel's YouTube page. For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

Franklin County leads the state in terms of total coronavirus cases, with 3,777 positive diagnoses to date. Updated illness counts for other major counties include:

• Cuyahoga County: 2,795 cases.
• Marion County: 2,387 cases.
• Pickaway County: 1,845 cases.
• Lucas County: 1,757 cases.
• Hamilton County: 1,757 cases.
• Mahoning County: 1,119 cases.
• Summit County: 892 cases.
• Lorain County: 548 cases.
• Stark County: 500 cases.