COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Health has reported 2,547 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state with 65 fatalities.
The Ohio Department of Health call center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to answer questions regarding COVID-19 at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
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Ohio Department of Health coronavirus website
Ohio COVID-19 Dashboard displays the most recent preliminary data
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The total includes 509 cases in central Ohio. Franklin County has confirmed 391 cases and 4 deaths. Madison County has reported it’s first two deaths from the virus.
Health director Dr. Amy Acton signed orders aimed at speeding up the testing process. The order directs hospitals that do not conduct their own testing to send their specimens to OSU Wexner Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals and MetroHealth, both in Cleveland.
President Donald Trump has issued a disaster declaration for Ohio and ordered federal help for state and local recovery efforts.
Under the declaration, the federal government will pick up 75 percent of certain COVID-19 costs, including Emergency Operation Center costs, state purchases in disinfection of eligible public facilities, personal protective equipment (PPE), temporary medical facilities and enhanced hospital capacity.
The declaration also allows direct federal assistance to local governments, such as support from the Ohio National Guard and US Army Corps of Engineers.
Governor Mike DeWine announced the formation of the Ohio Manufacturing Alliance to Fight COVID-19, calling on manufacturers to turn out health care equipment, including ventilators, testing supplies and personal protective equipment.
The state Health Department said it’s received the personal protective equipment from the national stockpile, but said it’s still not enough.
The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction says three inmates at three different institutions have been isolated pending testing.