LOGAN — Communities across the state have been experiencing an uptick in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. Around Hocking County, neighboring areas have been reported to have an increase rates of spread, putting them into the high-incidence “red” category.
The Hocking County Health Department reported on Wednesday morning that there are currently 12 active cases of the virus being treated in the county. Overall, the local health agency reported a total of 194 cases, 22 of which were described to be probable cases.
A total of 173 individuals have recovered from the illness and nine total individuals have passed away due to COVID-19.
Throughout the state, total confirmed cases amounted to 174,859. Approximately 17,388 individuals required hospitalizations in the state. Almost 3,600 cases required admissions to the intensive care unit.
The Ohio Department of Health reported approximately 4,775 confirmed deaths caused by the virus. Based on the expanded definition from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Ohio has had a total of 5,083 deaths linked to the virus.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine communicated to Ohioans on Tuesday that the state is currently experiencing record-breaking hospitalizations. He said that the state was currently treating 1,221 COVID-19 patients which is the most Ohio has had at one time since the initial start of the pandemic.
DeWine also stated that approximately 216 of the hospitalizations were reported in the past 24 hours leading up to his afternoon press conference. It was also the highest number of hospitalizations reported in a single day along with over 50 more than the previous high set in mid-July.
The state is also seeing an increase in ICU admissions as well as ventilator usage.
Approximately 69 out of Ohio’s 88 counties have been described to have a high incidence of COVID-19 spread. Their rate was more than 100 cases per 100,000 population in the past two weeks, according to the governor.
According to the Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 advisory system, Hocking County is still at a level one public health emergency. However, neighboring communities such as Athens, Vinton, Perry, Fairfield and Pickaway have been detailed to be in a level two public health emergency.
Neighboring Ross County was reported to have a major incidence rate increase putting the area under a level three public health emergency.
Also on Tuesday, Gov. DeWine touched on social gatherings in an attempt to enforce social distancing standards amongst the state’s population. The White House Coronavirus Task Force strongly urges citizens to limit gatherings with family and friends to prevent more spreading.
The recommendation was made after the increases in community spread, initiated by small social gatherings, was observed. The governor also encouraged a sense of caution for sports fans who may gather this weekend as The Ohio State University Buckeyes, Browns and Bengals play their respective football games.