The state also reported 19,750 new COVID cases reported Wednesday. Although the new cases were down slightly from the 20,411 reported Tuesday, the 21-day average increased from 14,101 to 14,537, ODH data show. There have been 2,112,824 cumulative cases reported in Ohio since the pandemic began.
Ohio on Wednesday also reached a benchmark: 60% of all Ohioans have now started the vaccine — 70.29% of adults and 63.86% of those 5 and older. Of those, 58.72% of Ohioans, including 65.18% of adults and 58.72% of those 5 and older, have completed the vaccine.
Nearly 2.8 million Ohioans have received a booster vaccine dose, including 36,852 reported in the last day, according to ODH data.
Of COVID-19 patients hospitalized last week at Kettering Health or Premier Health facilities, 84% were unvaccinated, according to the latest data available from the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association.
The strain of COVID patients has hospitals across the region delaying or canceling elective surgeries.
Kettering Health on Wednesday announced that it has postponed elective procedures that require an overnight stay, and Premier Health and hospital systems in Cincinnati and Columbus also are rescheduling some procedures.
“Hospitalizations for COVID-19 in our region and around the state have increased significantly, putting strain on multiple health systems,” a Kettering Health statement read. “In order to maintain safety and high-quality care, effective Jan. 5, Kettering Health is postponing non-emergent, elective surgeries and procedures that require an overnight stay.”
Outpatient procedures so far will continue as scheduled.
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