COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio hospitals treated a record number of coronavirus patients on Tuesday, who arrived at the facility just weeks after case numbers began to rise, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
On Tuesday, hospitals treated 1,122 patients with coronavirus. Of that number, 348 were in intensive care units and 174 were on ventilators. The previous peak was in late April when the state served 1,103 patients with a positive COVID. The pandemic started in Ohio on March 9, the health department said Wednesday.
“Our case numbers have remained high for the past month,” said Lance D. Himes, acting director of the Ohio Department of Health, in a statement. “We know there is a delay between the time people become infected with the virus and when they start to feel sick and are finally hospitalized.”
The state obtains its hospitalization data from the Ohio Hospital Association. Hospitalizations, ICU admissions and ventilator use are closely monitored by government and public health officials. If there are more people who need help than beds and fans, officials will have to make tough decisions about who gets the resources.
This factor was a driving force in the “flatten the curve” message. Governor Mike DeWine and former director of the health department, Dr. Amy Acton, drilled in the spring, as did the efforts of hospitals across the state. to increase capacity.
While public health officials say the state successfully crushed the curve, in May DeWine allowed companies to reopen in quick succession.
While masks have been required for workers in most companies, DeWine resisted for months demanding that all Ohioans wear masks in general.
He began requiring residents of the most affected counties to wear masks in recent weeks.
And last week, DeWine imposed a state requirement.
Himes, in Wednesday afternoon’s statement, urged Ohioans to remain vigilant to maintain hospitality by staying home when possible, washing their hands frequently, wearing masks, and distancing themselves socially.
The health department recognized that Ohio hospitals are better prepared to handle COVID-19 patients today than at the start of the pandemic. But the virus continues to significantly affect hospital personal protective equipment and staffing.
Additionally, COVID-19 patients often have long hospital stays, requiring extensive care.
The average age of people with COVID-19 in Ohio has been declining steadily, showing that more and more young people are exposed and getting sick, data from the health department show.
“Being young and healthy does not mean you will not be hospitalized or have complications,” said Himes. “We also don’t know what the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 are, and people who get it may continue to have health problems in the future.”
Other coverage:
Recently reported Ohio coronavirus cases increased 1,396: Wednesday’s update
How a car trip, birthday party, and charity fundraiser created coronavirus transmission networks in Ohio
The number of children in Ohio day care centers may increase on August 9.
