January sees over 600 new COVID cases

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Staff report

MIAMI COUNTY — As of Jan. 5, Miami County has had 664 new COVID-19 cases, nine hospitalizations, and two deaths related to COVID-19 between Jan. 1-5, according to Miami County Public Health.

For the month of December 2021, Miami County saw 2,261 new cases, 156 hospitalizations, and 27 deaths related to COVID-19.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Miami County has had 20,061 cases; 1,229 hospitalizations; 377 deaths; and 17,813 presumed recoveries, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced this week that the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio National Guard, and the Ohio Hospital Association will expand COVID-19 testing locations in nine Ohio cities, including several new locations, starting this week. The additional testing locations will be mobilized with support from Ohio National Guard personnel. The locations, which are intended to divert testing traffic from hospital emergency rooms, come as the state is experiencing the highest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations during the pandemic. On Monday, the Ohio Hospital Association reported a record-setting 6,177 inpatient hospitalizations.

“As the demand for COVID-19 testing increases, adding to the pressure our hospitals are facing, members of the Ohio National Guard will continue to play a critical role in the state’s response,” said DeWine. “I commend Guard members for their commitment to their fellow Ohioans as they answer the call to serve.”

About 300 members of the Ohio National Guard will provide support at the additional testing sites, which will be operated in partnership with Ohio hospitals and health networks.

While the testing centers are critical to the state’s effort to decompress high volumes at hospitals around the state, the majority of Ohio National Guard members will remain in hospitals providing direct clinical care and non-clinical support.

At this time, the Ohio National Guard has either been deployed or will soon be deployed to support the following testing locations. Now open:

• Cleveland: Walker Center (Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals), 10524 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

• Akron: Atrium Testing Site (Summa Health), 1077 Gorge Blvd., Akron.

• Columbus: (Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center), first floor of the CAS parking garage at 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus.

Coming soon will be locations in Canton, Zanesville, Mansfield, Chillicothe, Toledo, Springfield, Cincinnati, and Dayton, which will be expanding capacity at existing testing locations. More details about these testing locations are forthcoming.

More than 7 million Ohioans have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. That is 63% of all eligible Ohioans and 70% of Ohio adults. In addition, more than 2.7 million have received a booster dose. It is important to complete the series of recommended doses, including booster doses when eligible, to receive maximum protection from serious illness, including hospitalization or death.

Statewide, many providers offer walk-in appointments, or Ohioans can schedule a vaccination appointment at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov. Ohioans who want to learn more about COVID-19 testing, and the safety, efficacy, and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines should talk to their doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, or visit coronavirus.ohio.gov/vaccine.

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