COLUMBUS – A rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has been described as a “serious situation” by the state’s top health official.
“Today, we’re continuing to see very high COVID-19 cases and very high rates of hospitalization,” said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health during a briefing on Dec. 16.
There were 4,723 patients being treated in Ohio hospitals for COVID-19 that day, a 6% increase over the week before, according to the Ohio Hospital Association.
More than one-fifth of those patients were under 50 years of age and 95% were unvaccinated, Vanderhoff said.
DeWines exposed
Gov. Mike DeWine and his wife Fran have postponed public events after being exposed.
According to a release from DeWine’s office, the couple were exposed on Dec. 13 and tested negative for the virus.
COVID-19 sidelines Buckeyes
The Ohio State men’s basketball game against Kentucky Dec. 18 has been cancelled due to COVID-19 results within the Buckeye basketball program, Department of Athletics officials announced on Dec. 16. I
The CBS Sports Classic Saturday game, set to be played in Las Vegas, will not be rescheduled, officials said.
“All team related activities have been suspended and the players and staff will continue to be tested according to Ohio State protocols in consultation with the Big Ten Conference. The status of future games is to be determined,” officials said in a Department of Athletics release.