journal
Ohio overdoses increased 7% last year, CDC data says
CDC data indicates drug overdoses in Ohio increased last year, a painful reminder that COVID-19 is just one ongoing public health crisis in the U.S. Provisional data shows 4,280 Ohioans died of drug overdoses in 2019, up 7% from 2018. Nearly 3,500 of the deaths are attributable to opioids. Nationally, drug overdoses hit a record […]
ODH projecting 1.5 million COVID-19 tests per month by November
After chronic testing shortages marred the first few months of its COVID-19 response, the Ohio Department of Health projects it will double its current testing capacity by November. ODH plans to complete diagnostic testing of more than 1 million Ohioans per month for the new coronavirus by November and conduct serologic (antibody) testing on another […]
Cleanings, empty desks, and a 4th case suggest COVID-19 outbreak at the Statehouse
A state Senator said Thursday that another staffer at the Ohio Statehouse has tested positive for COVID-19, the fourth known case to hit the building in two weeks. Managers for the House office buildings have been called in seven times in the last two weeks for special disinfection of “multiple offices and common spaces.” Staffers […]
Ohio Democratic Party received at least $150,000 through PPP loan
The Ohio Democratic Party received a forgivable loan of between $150,000 and $350,000 from the federal government under a program designed to help small business keep their employees on the payroll. Paycheck Protection Program data released by the federal government on Monday shows the party was approved for the loan April 30. Unlike with most […]
At least 35 nursing homes failed COVID-19 infection control audits
On April 28, a resident at Oregon Healthcare, a Dayton area nursing home, started burning up with a fever. By May 1, the feverish resident — a schizophrenic man with a history of hypertension and congestive heart failure who required use of a wheelchair — was tested for COVID-19. “There was no evidence [the resident] […]
The state said no to masks. Now, Ohio cities are saying yes.
The governor dithered. The state legislature said no way. So on Tuesday, the Springfield City Commission took it upon itself to pass a resolution (which lacks the force of law) calling for all residents to cover their faces while indoors, a practice research says will slow the spread of COVID-19 through Ohio. By Wednesday, Dayton […]
A Statehouse staffer got COVID-19. Secrecy reigned, senators say.
When a state Senate staffer tested positive for COVID-19 early this week, bipartisan leadership found a rare moment of agreement: Mum is the word. A spokesman for the GOP Senate President refused to answer questions when rumors of the positive test leaked out. A spokeswoman for the Democratic Minority Leader deferred comment to Republican leadership. […]
As outbreak booms, younger Ohioans comprise most COVID-19 cases
More than half of the Ohioans who contracted COVID-19 in June are less than 40 years-old, a sign that new cases are skewing younger in the newly reopened economy. In May, people in the age group comprised about 41% of the month’s new cases, according to a spreadsheet analysis of state data released Wednesday. The […]
New COVID-19 cases on an eight-day upswing in Ohio
The new coronavirus accelerated its spread over the last week in Ohio, an analysis of state data shows. On Monday, the Ohio Department of Health published data showing 729 Ohioans contracted COVID-19, the most new cases reported in a 24-hour span since May 21. The 10-day average of new cases has ticked upward for eight […]
Five Fuyao workers contract COVID-19; 1500+ more to be tested, health department says
Officials are planning to test up to 2,000 workers at a windshield plant in the Dayton area after five employees tested positive for COVID-19. Dan Suffoletto, a spokesman for Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County, said the department plans to surge in blanket testing at Fuyao Glass America in Moraine in the next few days. […]