200+ Ohioans dead from COVID-19 virus

VW independent/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, provided updates Thursday on Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the governor commending Ohioans on staying at home and keeping their social distance.

“You have squashed this and stretched this curve,” DeWine noted on Wednesday in a tweet, although he said the key to keeping numbers down was to continue doing so. “But please know that if you start going out, we’ll go right back up.”

PPE procurement and manufacturing

Governor DeWine announced that, through the Ohio Manufacturing Alliance, 19 manufacturers have partnered with three hospital groups to begin large scale production of face shields. Over the next five weeks, 750,000 to 1 million face shields will be added to the Ohio Department of Health stockpile.

The face shield production is part of Ohio’s unique strategy to buy PPE when it is available, make PPE when it cannot be purchased, and use technology and innovation to identify ways to make Ohio’s PPE supplies last.

“These face shields will make a difference as we fight this invisible enemy,” said Governor DeWine. “The Ohio Manufacturing Alliance sent out a call for help producing PPE and more than 1,500 manufacturing companies responded. 

“This reinforces what we know about Ohio companies, they are generous and will answer the call when needed,” the governor added. “Together, we are going to protect our protectors and strengthen our manufacturing sector.”

Manufacturers who can help with PPE production should visit RepurposingProject.com for more information. Those with donations should visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.

Convalescent plasma

Lt. Governor Husted announced that The Christ Hospital Lindner Research Center in Cincinnati has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin treating high-risk COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma.

This treatment protocol is the only protocol that incorporates a readily available, rapid turnaround (less than 1 hour) blood test that reflects risk of dying and can identify patients before it’s too late.

“Hospitals in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland have all expressed interest in participating in the treatment protocol,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “This is another great step in our efforts to save lives”

Current Ohio data

There are 5,512 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 213 deaths. A total of 1,612 people have been hospitalized, including 497 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov. 

For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.