x
Breaking News
More () »

Ohio coronavirus update: 2,199 confirmed cases, 55 deaths; State is in 'calm before the storm'

Dr. Amy Acton also issued an order designed to keep track of Ohio's ventilators.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton held their daily COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday afternoon at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. 

The Ohio Department of Health revealed on Tuesday that there are now 2,199 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state. 55 people have died, while 585 more are hospitalized. 

RELATED: Coronavirus & Ohio: The latest number of confirmed cases

DeWine mentioned that Dr. Amy Acton issued an order to help the state keep track of its ventilators. The order requires weekly on-line reporting of ventilators by any entity in the supply chain, from its creation through end use. That group includes manufacturers, producers, wholesalers, transporters, distributors, retailers, physicians, clinics, hospitals, and medical facilities.

RELATED: Dr. Amy Acton issues order to keep track of Ohio's ventilators

Dr. Acton had several important items of note during her remarks. She stressed the importance of social distancing with this quote. ""I'm asking you to think as much as you can about essential activities. I want you to think about every trip to the store you make now. Every time you go out to get medicine, you want to minimize even that." 

Then, as she reviewed the latest graphs on the state's COVID-19 cases and the number of hospital beds available, Acton stated that "we have empty beds now, but it is the calm before the storm."

With coronavirus cases expected to increase drastically in the coming weeks, Acton said Ohio will need to at least double its current hotel capacity. Based on its current modeling, Acton said that Ohio is projected to peak with 10,000 new daily cases around mid-late April.

RELATED: Dr. Amy Acton: Ohio is currently in 'calm before the storm' with coronavirus

RELATED: 'Think about every trip to the store you make now': Dr. Amy Acton stresses urgency of social distancing during COVID-19 pandemic

Click here for our special coronavirus section.

RELATED: Where are the most coronavirus cases in Ohio? Check each county with this interactive map

RELATED: Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services offering step-by-step guide to filing for unemployment

RELATED: CNN's Chris Cuomo tests positive for coronavirus

RELATED: Cuyahoga County announces Vote-by-Mail plan for Primary Election

RELATED: Cars line up hours before Greater Cleveland Food Bank drive-thru distribution

RELATED: Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services provides tips to manage stress during the coronavirus crisis

RELATED: Ohio inmates making masks, hospital gowns & hand sanitizer amid coronavirus outbreak

Before You Leave, Check This Out