Ohio COVID deaths exceed 30k, hospitalizations remain at record levels

Ohio reached a grim milestone of more than 30,000 deaths related to COVID-19 since the pandemic began, as hospitalizations continue to set new records (Source: “COVID deaths in Ohio reach 30,000 across pandemic,” Hamilton Journal-News, Jan. 7).

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) added 398 deaths on Friday, bringing the total to 30,072.

COVID-19 hospitalizations were only slightly up Friday, but still set a record for the ninth consecutive day as the 21-day case average for the first time exceeded 15,000. COVID patients make up one-third of all hospitalizations across the state and represent one-third of all ICU patients.

There were 19,563 new coronavirus cases reported Friday, which brings the 21-day case average to 15,355, ODH reported.