Local list of cases increases

CELINA - Two more Mercer County residents have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the county to eight.

The new case is a woman from 30 to 40 years old who is self-isolating at home, according to the Mercer County Health District reports.

The district on Sunday evening also reported 13 pending cases, 53 negative cases and two hospitalizations. On Friday, a 71-year-old man was the first person in the county reported to have died of COVID-19.

The district had also reported the following positive patients: a non-hospitalized woman in her 60s, a woman from 30 to 40 years old, three women from 20 to 30 years old and a man 40 to 50 years old.

The Auglaize County Health Department on Saturday reported a new case of COVID-19, bringing the number of confirmed cases to six in the county.

Health commissioner Oliver Fisher said the newest case is a 64-year-old male who is being treated at a local hospital. Testing was completed through an Ohio Department of Health lab, and the department received the results on Saturday morning, Fisher said.

The Auglaize department has also reported five other positive patients: a hospitalized 65-year-old woman, a 49-year-old non-hospitalized woman, a 30-year-old non-hospitalized woman, a 47-year-old woman who is hospitalized and a 51-year-old female who had been hospitalized but is now in self-isolation at home.

Modeling suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic will peak around April 25 at more than 9,000 new cases per day in Ohio, according to ODH.

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, 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.

People can protect themselves against COVID-19 by washing their hands often, covering their mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing and frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. They should also avoid close contact and stay at least 6 feet away from others.

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.

ODH has reported 4,043 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 1,104 hospitalizations and 119 deaths as of Sunday afternoon.

People can contact Mercer County's COVID-19 call center at 567-890-2619 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday for more information on COVID-19.