COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) reports that as of Friday afternoon at 2 p.m., there are two people under investigation for possible COVID-19 (coronavirus) exposure.
According to ODH's COVID-19 webpage, there are zero confirmed cases in Ohio, two people under investigation, eight people who have tested negative for COVID-19, and 255 individuals under public health supervision.
The people who are under investigation have lab results pending. Anyone who is under investigation has exhibited symptoms of respiratory illness AND has either traveled to China or been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 within 14 days of the respiratory symptoms starting.
On Thursday, Governor Mike DeWine convened a panel of health officials together for a summit in Columbus.
"All Ohioans must have a sense of urgency about this emerging health threat," Gov. Mike DeWine said of the coronavirus last week at a press conference in Cleveland. "It's imperative that we be open with the public. My commitment is that we will communicate what we know, when we know it. That is our obligation. That is what we intend to do."
DeWine outlined a series of steps the state is taking to help prevent the spread of both coronavirus and infuenza. It included asking colleges and universities to prohibit college-related travel to nations where the CDC is advising no travel.
RELATED: Gov. Mike DeWine outlines Ohio's coronavirus preparation at Cleveland's MetroHealth Medical Center
The city of Cleveland is preparing just in case the new coronavirus makes its way here.
“It’s a very fluid situation but yes we’re in constant conversation,” explains Mayor Frank Jackson who says he had meetings Monday with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hospitals and county leaders to discuss public safety.
The virus, known as COVID-19, has infected at least 100 people in the U.S, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number does not include the 49 cases found in individuals who were repatriated from Wuhan, China or the Diamond Princess Cruise ship that was quarantined in Japan. The CDC updates the number of coronavirus cases daily, but may not count all cases reported locally by different states.
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