COLUMBUS – Even while the number of cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Ohio and the rest of the nation, the forecast for the “worst-case scenario” in the state is looking more optimistic than even a few days ago.
The latest estimate from the Ohio Department of Health, revealed Wednesday by director Dr. Amy Acton, indicates that the peak of the coronavirus outbreak is expected to hit Ohio on or around April 19 and that the number of new cases reported per day could approach 2,000 (see illustration).
That is a significant decline from previous estimates and assumes that Ohioans continue to practice mitigation measures, like maintaining social distancing and staying at home except to make essential trips.
“This is what you have done, this is how you have saved lives,” Acton said.
She said that early forecasts called for as many as 90,000 new cases per day had the state not taken steps to slow the spread of the virus, such as closing schools, businesses and restaurants and limiting gatherings, but she said Ohio was among the first states to implement such measures and, therefore, might emerge from the pandemic more quickly than other states.
“We were one of the first in, in Ohio, with these aggressive, bold moves, want to be one of the first states out,” she said.
UPDATE 4/9/20 3:39 p.m.: Health officials say Ohio has more than 5,500 confirmed cases of the virus, and 213 people have died.
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Organizers have postponed the annual Stonewall Columbus Pride Parade and Festival until the fall because of the coronavirus outbreak.
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Three of the largest cancer-fighting charities in central Ohio have teamed up to help cancer survivors and patients during the coronavirus outbreak.
Susan G. Komen Columbus, Pelotonia and the American Cancer Society Ohio have announced a
collaboration to provide information and assistance for local cancer patients, their caregivers, family and friends.
The partnership will try to ensure local cancer patients get access to their treatment as safely as possible and enable research to continue amid the pandemic.
Pelotonia, the annual bike race that directs millions of dollars to cancer research, plans to create a research fund in collaboration with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the cancer community.
The Komen Columbus Pandemic Patient Assistance Program is creating a website with information on COVID-19 and breast cancer, including resources from Komen Columbus and Komen National. The group is coordinating with human service and government agencies to stabilize access to housing, food and other critical needs. Komen is also providing emergency support for immunosuppressed patients and providing virtual patient peer support, therapies to help patients cope with stress and isolation, and a Komen Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN.
The American Cancer Society has developed a COVID-19 and cancer resource database, a 24-hour helpline and live chat for any cancer and COVID-19 related questions at 800-227-2345 and is providing virtual in-person events.