Ohio Coronavirus Cases Cross 2,500; 65 Deaths

More than 2,500 cases of the new coronavirus have been confirmed in Ohio and 65 deaths have been reported from the disease as of Wednesday afternoon. The number updated by the Ohio Department of Health show 2,547 confirmed cases of the virus.

Wednesday's numbers show an increase of 348 cases from Tuesday and 10 additional deaths.

Cuyahoga County continues to have the most number of cases in the state with 589 confirmed patients ill with the virus.

According to state health officials, 679 Ohioans have had to be hospitalized with the virus and 222 patients have had to be admitted to the intensive care unit.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine also announced Wednesday that hospitals sending coronavirus test to third parties will now have to submit the samples to another hospital capable of testing to increase the turnaround time for getting results.

Amy Acton, the director of the Ohio Department of Health, signed an order Wednesday to change the testing procedures.

According to DeWine, the rapid coronavirus tests that can provide test results within minutes will be used in Ohio as soon as they are sent to the state.

Anticipated Surge In Cases

To deal with the anticipated surge in coronavirus cases, the state has been expanding hospital capacity to accomodate COVID-19 patients.

While the state is originally divided into eight health preparedness regions, officials have set up three zones — Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati/Dayton — to prepare. The three zones are to deal with two variables; hospital capacity and quality of care, DeWine said.

DeWine said the canceling of elective surgeries is already increasing space in Ohio hospitals.

"What we're seeing in New York is what we work every single day to avoid here in the state of Ohio," DeWine said.

Major Disaster Declaration

The federal government has also approved a major disaster declaration for Ohio, which provides the state with FEMA grants to help pay for emergency protective measures.

Grocery Shopping

Ohio Lt. Gov Jon Husted said at Wednesday's press conference that while grocery stores, which are essential businesses, remain open, there are certain things retailers are asking customers to do to make shopping safe for everyone:

• Keep at least six feet of distance
• Shop patiently
• Limit and consolidate shopping trips
• Shop alone when possible
• Stay home when you don't feel well
• Wash and sanitize hands before coming to the store and after shopping
• If you can, wear a mask or glove while shopping
• Shop online through grocery store websites for curbside pickup or home delivery

DeWine also said Ohioans using SNAP benefits can shop for groceries online and swipe their EBT cards curbside where possible. Otherwise, customers can order online and swipe their cards inside the store.

Countywide Breakdown Of Cases

The breakdown of confirmed cases in Ohio with counties that have 10 or more cases is as follows:

Cuyahoga: 549

Franklin: 391

Mahoning: 177

Lucas: 171

Hamilton: 154

Summit: 144

Lorain: 85

Miami: 60

Medina: 59

Trumbull: 58

Stark: 52

Lake: 48

Delaware: 47

Portage: 44

Butler: 41

Montgomery: 41

Geauga: 25

Licking: 24

Warren: 23

Darke: 22

Fairfield: 22

Columbiana: 19

Wood: 15

Tuscarawas: 14

Pickaway: 12

Belmont: 11

Clermont: 11

Jefferson: 11

Wayne: 11

This report is being updated.