Ohio’s daily coronavirus cases drop below 2,000 for first time this year

Oakwood schools Superintendent Kyle Ramey, receives his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Centerville High School, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021. MARSHALL GORBY\STAFF

Oakwood schools Superintendent Kyle Ramey, receives his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Centerville High School, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021. MARSHALL GORBY\STAFF

The number of daily cases of coronavirus dropped below 2,000 in Ohio for the first time this year Monday, according to the state heath department.

Ohio recorded 1,926 new cases Monday, less than half of the state’s 21-day average of 4,337 cases. It’s also the second straight day the state has reported a record-low number of daily cases for 2021.

On Sunday Ohio reported 2,138 cases. Throughout the pandemic, the state has recorded 922,143 total cases, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

Hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths were also all below Ohio’s 21-day average on Monday. The state reported 134 daily hospitalizations, compared to an average of 206.

Just more than 2,000 coronavirus patients were in Ohio hospitals Monday, with 521 patients in ICUs and 351 on ventilators.

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As of Monday, hospitalizations have remained under 2,500 for seven consecutive days. If the pattern continues, Ohio could see its statewide curfew lifted entirely when Gov. Mike DeWine re-evaluates it on Thursday.

Ohio reported 11 ICU admissions on Monday, bringing the total to 23.

Deaths increased by 36 for a total of 11,695. As of Monday, Ohio was reporting an average of 67 deaths related to the virus a day.

This week, Ohioans ages 65 and older are eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. DeWine said last week that the state will hold eligibility at ages 65 and older for the next few weeks as Ohio continues to distribute shots.

With about 2.2 million people eligible to be vaccinated under Phase 1B, it’s expected to take weeks to get through the group. Teachers and staff at K-12 schools and residents with an intellectual or medical disability as well as a congenital, developmental or early onset medical disorder are also eligible to be vaccinated.

It is not clear when Phase 1C will start or who will be eligible.

As of Monday 1,058,141 people in Ohio have received their first dose of the vaccine and 311,669 people have received both doses, according to ODH.

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