COLUMBUS – As the number cases of coronavirus in Ohio crosses the 3,000 threshold and the number of deaths closes in on 100, Gov. Mike DeWine and state officials say the slow pace of testing may mask higher totals.
The Ohio Department of Health Friday reported 3,312 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 75 counties with 91 fatalities.
Governor Mike DeWine said there may be more cases but the pace of testing is still too slow because of a shortage of supplies. He hopes a collaboration between OSU Wexner Medical Center and the Ohio Department of Health will produce swabs and tubes that will help make the process more efficient.
.@OhioState & @OHDeptofHealth are collaborating to fill a few critical holes in testing. B/c of supply chain problems, we can’t always get the swabs and tubes and transport liquid. OSU and ODH will make sure these are produced in #Ohio.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) April 3, 2020
The Ohio Association of Foodbanks is asking for $25 million in emergency state assistance to respond to record-breaking requests for food distribution amid the pandemic. Executive Director Lisa Hamler-Fugitt also encouraged private monetary contributions and urged Ohioans to stop hoarding food.
DeWine says his administration is looking into the problem and he believes it is important to make sure the foodbanks are adequately supplied.
Meanwhile, the administration is asking judges to consider granting 38 inmates early release from overcrowded state prisons due to concerns about the spread of the virus in side facilities.
DeWine says none of the inmates were convicted of violent crimes, sex offenses or domestic abuse. Some are pregnant women or prisoners over 60 years of age with fewer than 60 days remaining in their sentences.
Six inmates from a single Cuyahoga County Corrections Center housing unit in Cleveland have tested positive and two inmates have suspected cases of COVID-19.
With more people staying home, the Ohio Department of Transportation says traffic is down nearly 60 percent across the state since Sunday.
Ohio’s Roman Catholic bishops have suspended all services through May 3.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced that Hocking Hills State Park will be closed indefinitely, the first state park to be shut down due to coronavirus.