COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio officials say the state still has no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, but test results are awaited from four people.
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).
Health Department Director Dr. Amy Acton says officials expect a case “any day now” and the arrival of COVID-19 test kits last week means the state can turn test results on possible cases around quickly.
“Information is critical to managing an outbreak of any infectious disease, and testing at our state lab offers the greatest ability for all of us to make the best decisions to protect the health of the greatest number of people. We will now be able to turn around results in an estimated 24-48 hours,” Acton said.
The number of U.S. coronavirus cases has swelled to 500, with cases in about half of the states. Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Pennsylvania recently reported their first cases. The total U.S. death toll has reached 21.
Gov Mike DeWine said the Ohio department of health now has the ability to conduct testing and by Monday private labs Lab Corp. and Quest Diagnostics in the state were expected to be doing likewise with hospitals soon to follow.
Announcing that the @OHdeptofhealth is able to test for COVID-19 in its lab. Ohio has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at this time. Prioritizing testing of the sickest patients.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 7, 2020
To help prevent the spread of the coronavirus:
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds often with soap and water.
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
-Source: Ohio Dept. of Health/CDC
Health department tests will prioritize the elderly, those with pre-existing health conditions and compromised immune systems, and health care workers.
Other tests are to be done only with a health provider’s order.
The health department reported Sunday that four people are undergoing testing for COVID -19.
The state tests individuals who show symptoms of respiratory illness within 14 days of either traveling to China or coming into close contact with someone known to have the virus.