Ohio Sets New COVID-19 Records For Deaths, Hospitalizations

COLUMBUS, OH — As Ohioans prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, the state's hospitals continue to feel the strain of the COVID-19 surge.

On Wednesday, the surge hit new highs. According to the Ohio Department of Health 156 Ohioans have died from coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the most in the state's history with the pandemic, and 417 Ohioans have been hospitalized because of the virus, another record.

Health officials confirmed 10,835 new COVID-19 cases among Ohioans in the past 24 hours, the second most cases recorded in one day in state history. DeWine has said the state is still trying to confirm thousands of backlogged COVID-19 tests, so today's actual count might be higher.

The previous record for most COVID-19 deaths recorded in one day was set in April when 138 Ohioans died in 24 hours.

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For state leaders, and hospital leaderships, the alarming surge comes at the worst time — right before a major holiday. Gov. Mike DeWine and various healthcare workers have spent previous weeks warning Ohioans to expect a further surge of cases and hospitalizations after Thanksgiving.

"We cannot sound the alarm bell loud enough for people in Ohio to change their behavior," said Dr. Andrew Thomas, from Wexner Mexical Center

Here are all of Wednesday's COVID-19 numbers in Ohio:

• New cases: 10,835
• New deaths: 156
• New hospitalizations: 417
• New ICU admissions: 44

The Ohio Department of Health estimates that 242,146 Ohioans have contracted COVID-19 and recovered.

More reading:

• 'Surge Is Here': Ohio Hits New Coronavirus Hospitalization Record
• Millions Keep Thanksgiving Travel Plans Amid Coronavirus Warnings
• 'Terrified Of Dying Alone': Tearful Doctor Details COVID-19 Toll