6 new local cases

CELINA - The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections continue to climb in Mercer County as five new positive tests raised the county's total to 38.

Auglaize County officials reported one new case on Tuesday, increasing the total there to 36.

In Mercer County, the 34th and 35th cases are women between the ages of 30-40 and 60-70, respectively. Both are hospitalized, according to a Mercer County Health District news release.

District officials also reported the 36th-38th cases are a man between the age of 40-50, a woman from 30 to 40 years old and a man between 30 and 40 years old, respectively. All are self-isolating at home.

Officials reported 12 people who have recovered, 44 pending cases, 269 negative test results, six hospitalizations and one death from COVID-19.

Health administrator Jason Menchhofer on Monday said a noticeable increase in new and pending cases has been reported over the last 10 days. The increase in pending cases is a sign that more people are developing symptoms and getting tested, he added.

Health district and Mercer Health officials have expressed concern as the number of confirmed cases continues to grow and the amount of personal protective equipment available is less than optimal.

PPE shipments continue to be delayed, and some shipments are less than desirable when they arrive, Mercer Health reported in a news release on Monday.

The lack of PPE and increase in testing aren't the only concerns. Kristy Fryman, health district public information officer, on Sunday said 22% of confirmed cases involve health care workers, causing additional burden on the system. As these workers become sickened with COVID-19, they and their co-workers are unable to work for an extended amount of time.

Health district and hospital officials said they have started to shift from working to contain individual cases to preparing for a potentially larger community outbreak. The two entities continue to emphasize the importance of social distancing, eliminating gatherings and wearing a mask or face covering.

In a separate matter, a health district release noted the agency is not granting approval for activities that violate the Stay Safe Ohio Order.

"We have heard of a couple of instances involving businesses or event organizers in the community who have claimed that they have obtained health department approval to conduct activities which violate the current Stay Safe Ohio Order," the release stated. "This is not the case."

In Auglaize County, an 89-year-old man is the most recent person to test positive for the coronavirus, raising the county's confirmed number of cases to 35. Department officials did not say whether the man was hospitalized or self-isolating.

The department also reported one probable case, eight hospitalizations, 19 people who have recovered and three deaths from COVID-19.

Health officials report people as recovered from COVID-19 when they are released from isolation. Infected people who have been put into isolation are released from quarantine when at least seven days have passed since the onset of symptoms, they have been fever-free for at least 72 hours without taking fever-reducing medication and respiratory symptoms have improved.

Department officials also continue to urge residents to practice social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus.

As of Tuesday evening, the Ohio Department of Health reported 20,969 confirmed and probable cases, 3,956 hospitalizations and 1,135 confirmed and probable deaths from COVID-19.

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19.

The CDC says people should seek medical attention if they experience emergency warning signs, including trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion and bluish lips or face. The list is not inclusive, and people should consult their medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Correction:

Auglaize County officials reported one new case of COVID-19 on Tuesday, increasing that county's total to 35. The error was made in reporting.