Coronavirus Pandemic: 169 cases in Ohio, 1 confirmed death

Ohio now has at least 169 confirmed cases of coronavirus in 28 counties, including a new second case reported by Warren County health officials late Friday afternoon.  At least 39 people have been hospitalized and there has been one confirmed death.

Several local cases of coronavirus have been confirmed, including two confirmed and nine presumptive positive cases at a Troy assisted living facility.

“This is a difficult situation,” said Dr. Amy Acton, director of Ohio Department of Health.

A resident of Koester Pavilion who was taken to Upper Valley Medical Center a week ago and was awaiting a test result for coronavirus has died, according to the Miami County Coroner's Office.

Ohio has recorded its first coronavirus-related death. On Thursday, Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton said Coronavirus is being investigated as the cause of death for a Toledo man.

Gov. Mike DeWine held a news conference at 2 p.m. to provide the latest updates on the coronavirus response.

Here are the announcements:

• Mark Wagoner Sr. of Toledo, a prominent attorney who had been on the board of elections in the Toledo area, was announced as the state's first coronavirus death.
• All facilities providing older adult day care services and senior centers will close Monday at close of business.
• The Ohio Department of Insurance is issuing an order to allow employers to take care of employees with a grace period for insurance premiums. Employers can defer health insurance premium payments for up to 2 months.
• Gov. DeWine asking those who can to shelter-in-place, but he is not ordering it.

Local confirmed cases:

• Butler - 12
• Clark - 1
• Darke - 1
• Miami - 1 (and 9 presumptive positive cases)
• Montgomery - 1
• Warren - 2

>> Warren County health officials confirm second positive COVID-19 case

The range of dates from the onset of the illness is Feb. 7 to March 18. Ohio officials said 69 females and 100 males have been infected. The age range of confirmed cases is 1 year old to 91 years old.

Here’s what you need to know today:

• President Donald Trump announced relief for student loan borrowers during the coronavirus pandemic.  Borrowers may suspend loan payments for 60 days with no penalties.  Interest on federally held student loans will be temporarily waived.
• The U.S. border with Mexico will close to non-essential travel.
• President Trump says federal government is waiving school standardized test requirements amid virus disruptions.
• More than 245,000 More than 245,000 people worldwide --including more than 14,000 people in the United States -- have been infected with COVID-19.  On Thursday, Italy's death toll surpassed China's. In the U.S., 195 have died.
• Premier Health announced the hours of operation for Saturday at the coronavirus testing facility at the University of Dayton Arena. Test will be administered to those with a doctor's note/order between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The testing site will be closed Sunday and reopen Monday.
• Friday, physicians at the COVID-19 testing site at UD Arena administered 215 tests for the virus.
• Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley is urging people to donate blood, saying not to be afraid and to donate in wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
• The Wright State University men's basketball team was exposed to at least one and maybe both officials who worked the Horizon League semifinal this month and have tested positive for coronavirus, Horizon League officials confirmed Thursday night.
• An Oakwood family that was on a Disney cruise is stuck in California due to a statewide stay-at-home order that restricts non-essential travel.
• DeWine is asking Ohioans to fly the American flag outside their home as a sign of unity.
• Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor said courts must be open to address emergency and time sensitive matters.
• Internet cafes are being ordered to close.
• Public Utilities Commission of Ohio issued a moratorium in regard to electric and gas disconnects until May 1.
• DeWine is issuing an executive order that will expand access to medical and behavioral health services using telehealth. No existing relationship with a doctor is needed to get access to services.
• Ohio now is on the upslope of the curve. "It is urgent that we talk with each other -- it is time to heed this call. You need to stay at home if you can stay at home with your family," said Dr. Amy Acton.
• Ohio did apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for small businesses and non-profits to be able to apply for low-interest loans. That request has been approved. Loans can be used to deal with fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills. For more info: call 1-800-659-2955.
• Secretary of State Frank LaRose is working with the courts and state legislators to extend the Ohio Primary until June 2.

Public Health - Dayton and Montgomery County and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley held their daily afternoon news conference.

Here are the key points:

• The deadline for filing your City of Dayton income tax has been extended to July 15, Mayor Whaley said
• Avoid using alcohol, tobacco or other illegal substances to deal with stress. Consult ADAMHS
• Avoid calling 9-1-1 because you think you might have COVID-19. Call your primary care physician or Urgent Care
• Employers should consider methods beyond requiring workers to have a note about a negative COVID-19 test or a doctor's note before allowing those workers back on the job
• If your child's fever is over 104 and he/she is having trouble breathing, call your pediatrician
• Call Dayton Children's Hospital hotline, 1-833-746-KIDS, to speak with nursing staff for information
• Beginning Monday, Children's is opening its Sick Child Clinic for families that don't have a pediatrician. It's a place for a family to get an evaluation for their child.
• Call your child's school if you haven't heard from your child's school. Then contact the Montgomery County Education Service Center, 937-225-4598

The Ohio Department of Health has a collection of tools that can help: