New model calls for mid-May COVID-19 peak in Ohio, possible tripling of hospital capacity to handle

New modeling from the Cleveland Clinic projects new coronavirus cases could accelerate to 10,000 each day in coming weeks, numbers that would require a tripling of available hospital beds in the state, Gov. Mike DeWine said at his daily COVID-19 press conference on Friday (Source: “Coronavirus: Ohio cases reach 1,137; death toll up to 19 as outlook for daily new cases now hits 10,000,” Columbus Dispatch, March 27, 2020).

State health officials reported Friday afternoon that another 270 residents -- a 31% increase -- have been diagnosed with COVID-19 -- bringing the statewide total to 1,137.

Another three deaths also were reported, bringing the toll to 19 since the first three cases of coronavirus cropped up less than three weeks ago. Figures showed 276 Ohioans hospitalized, with 107 in intensive-care unit beds.

DeWine said that the new Cleveland Clinic modeling shows the peak of the virus now reaching into mid-May and the state medical system needs to step up to meet the coming demand.

Hospitals need to quickly double, or triple if they can, their number of beds and ICU capacity. DeWine said the state will be divided into eight regions, with hospitals in each region working together to draft a plan to expand capacity. Rough drafts of hospitals' plans to achieve the feat are expected to be on his desk by 8 a.m. Saturday.