Coronavirus Hospitalizations Spike In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — COVID-19 hospitalizations in Ohio spiked Tuesday, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

In the past 24 hours, 538 Ohioans were admitted to hospitals for COVID-19 treatment. That's up versus the state's rolling average of 322 COVID-19-related hospitalizations per day.

Intensive care admissions were also up Tuesday, with 44 Ohioans entering ICUs because of COVID-19. That's also up versus the state's rolling average of 35 COVID-19-related ICU admissions per day.

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After cases dipped below 6,000 on Monday, health officials confirmed 7,580 new COVID-19 cases among Ohioans. While that's up versus Monday, it's roughly in line with the state's rolling average of 7,412 new cases per day.

Here are all of Tuesday's COVID-19 numbers:

• New cases: 7,580
• New deaths: 107
• New hospitalizations: 538
• New ICU admissions: 44

The Ohio Department of Health estimates that 596,221 Ohioans have contracted COVID-19 and recovered from the virus.

Vaccine Distribution

Approximately 1.5 percent of Ohioans have started the COVID-19 vaccine (nearly 175,000 people), according to the Ohio Department of Health.

Gov. Mike DeWine said more than 60 percent of nursing homes in Ohio have received a visit from a pharmacy to initiate vaccine distribution. Only 40 percent of staffers have taken the vaccine when offered, the governor said, but 75 to 80 percent of residents have taken the vaccine.

"Beginning Friday, many at nursing homes who received their first dose will begin receiving their second dose. Those who didn't choose to receive a dose in the first round can get their first dose then. Afterward, it could be a while before there is another chance for the vaccine," DeWine said.

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