Coronavirus in Ohio update: 21 now being tested for COVID-19

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by: NBC4 Staff

Posted: Mar 10, 2020 / 11:20 AM EDT

Updated: Mar 11, 2020 / 02:41 PM EDT

COLUMBUS (WCMH) — As of Wednesday afternoon, four cases of coronavirus are confirmed in Ohio. The latest case to be confirmed is the first evidence of community spread in Ohio.

— ORIGINAL STORY 3/10/2020 below — click here for the latest news on coronavirus in Ohio —

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is recommending indoor sporting events limit spectators to avoid the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus in the state.

DeWine also said he’s recommending people to not attend indoor concerts or anything where a large group of people are gathering.

“Every action each of us takes can and will save lives,” said Governor DeWine.

According to information released by the Ohio Department of Health Tuesday, 15 people are now being tested for the illness. That’s up from five people on Monday.

Fourteen people have tested negative, up from 11 on Monday.

According to Dr. Mysheika Roberts, Columbus Public Health Commissioner, there are two people in Franklin Co. currently being tested for the virus. No additional positive cases were reported. Monday, the state reported three positive tests for COVID-19 coronavirus in Cuyahoga County.

DeWine also recommended that colleges and universities go to remote learning and eliminate face to face interactions. He also recommended they stop school-sanctioned international travel and evaluate anyone who traveled internationally or spent time on a cruise ship during spring break.

The governor is not recommending the closure of K-12 schools, but says parents, principals and superintendents need to prepare for the possibility. Athens City Schools, due to its proximity to Ohio University, has canceled classes for two weeks.

BREAKING: Governor DeWine has announced he is advising indoor sporting events to eliminate spectators. @nbc4i
— Adrienne Robbins (@ARobbinsTV) March 10, 2020

Monday night, Shawnee State University in Portsmouth reported three possible cases are being investigated at the school. The university said the three people are under quarantine.

Ohio State University announced Monday night that in-person classes would be suspended until at least the end of March. Several other colleges and universities followed suit Tuesday.

“By the end of this week it will seem like a different world than it is today and that’s the pace at which this change is occurring,” said Dr. Amy Acton, Director of Health, Ohio Department of Health.

DeWine is also recommending nursing homes to start scanning visitors, the state is no longer allowing visitors to jails or juvenile detention centers.

Governor DeWine declared a state of emergency in Ohio after Monday’s three positive tests.