COLUMBUS – The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in central Ohio increased to 18 Friday when health officials in Licking and Union counties reported two residents tested positive for the virus.
The news came as the state reported its first death from COVID-19
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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The Licking County resident is a 27-year-old woman but Health Commissioner Joe Ebel would not release any additional information about the woman to protect her privacy.
The Licking County Health Department is investigating to determine if the case is the result of community spread.of
“LCHD is contacting anyone who was in close contact with the individual and needs to take action, ” Ebel said.
The Union County Health Department also received confirmation of a case of COVID-19 in a woman. No other information was released.
Anyone who came in close contact will be notified, assessed for symptoms and instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days while monitoring for symptoms, Union County Health Commissioner Jason Orcena said
Prior to the announcements by Ebel and Orcena, the Ohio Department of Health website reported 169 confirmed cases of coronavirus in 28 counties.
That number included 14 cases in Franklin County — half of which were in Columbus and Worthington — and two in Delaware County.
Statewide, the patients range in age from one to 91. One hundred of them are males and 69 are females.
The state says 39 patients have been hospitalized.
Meanwhile, Schmidt’s has closed its flagship German Village restaurant for carryout and pickup orders effective immediately because an employee is being tested for the coronavirus as a precaution after a co-worker of the employee’s spouse tested positive.
The restaurant says it will remain closed until the statewide ban on operating restaurant dining rooms has lifted.
It continues to operate its three food trucks, which are independent of the restaurant, employs separate workers and operates out of a separate location