DOVER, Ohio — A person who has since tested positive for the coronavirus previously came into contact with roughly two dozen people at a Tuscarawas county "long-term care facility," Tuscarawas County Health Commissioner Katie Seward confirmed Saturday.
According to a statement from Dr. Seward, the person is from another county but came into "direct contact" with about 20 residents and three healthcare workers. While officials will not be revealing the name of the facility at this time, they say they have contacted all individuals involved (along with their families) and have been following CDC and Ohio Department of Health guidelines since being made aware of the situation Friday.
"Following the lead of Governor DeWine and Health Director Dr. Acton, we will be sure to share information in a transparent way when we have it," Seward wrote. "Because there is known widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in Ohio and reduced testing capabilities I ask all Ohio residents to take the current situation seriously and remain at home, if at all possible."
Along with Cleveland and Dayton, ODH Director Amy Acton named Tuscarawas County as a "hot spot" for coronavirus during her press briefing today and directly alluded to the situation. For the moment, the county has only one confirmed case of the disease, which Seward says was not related to the ongoing matter at the care facility.
"Investigating all this takes tremendous manpower," Dr. Acton said. "We want to limit the expansion of that cluster."
247 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Ohio, with three deaths. Those who have died from the disease in the state have all been over the age of 75.