Local

Coronavirus: 3 positive cases announced in Ohio, state of emergency declared

Three Ohioans have tested positive for coronavirus in Ohio, according to Gov. Mike DeWine.

The governor announced a state of emergency Monday afternoon.

“The state is canceling all travel that is not absolutely necessary and central,” DeWine said.  “This is certainly no ordinary time – it’s important for us to take aggressive action – to protect Ohioans and the actions we take now will in fact safe lives. That we are sure of,”

The confirmed cases of coronavirus are all in Cuyahoga County in northeast Ohio, DeWine said.

Earlier Monday, eight people had been awaiting test results.

On Saturday, five people in the state were being tested. One of those results was returned Sunday and was negative.

As of Monday in Ohio, 11 people had tested negative. The Ohio Department of Health is providing daily updates.

Here's what to know today:

  • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Ohio now has the ability to test cases and can get results within 24 hours. DeWine said he expects some hospitals in the state to be able to test within the next two weeks.
    • "Those will have to be moved – We will not have public– that many people going into a nursing home. We would suggest that people vote early," DeWine said.
  • A local couple has been on a Grand Princess cruise ship where dozens have tested positive. The couple docked this afternoon. There are 21 people aboard the ship who have coronavirus. Princess is reportedly giving full refunds to stranded passengers.
  • The State Department says U.S. citizens should avoid cruise ship travel.
  • As of Sunday evening, there are more than 500 cases of coronavirus in the U.S. 
  • Multiple states around Ohio have confirmed cases of coronavirus. Indiana, Kentucky and Pennsylvania all have confirmed cases.
  • The Ohio Department of Health has opened a call center to answer questions about coronavirus.
  • The U.S. Army announced it would restrict travel for troops to and from Italy and South Korea due to coronavirus.
0