2nd Straight Record-Setting COVID-19 Day In Ohio; 3,300 New Cases

COLUMBUS, OH — For the second straight day, Ohio has broken its own record for most new COVID-19 cases confirmed this summer.

In the past 24 hours, 3,393 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed among Ohioans. That's more than 1,000 more cases than Tuesday's record-breaking total of 2,326 cases confirmed in one day.

The surge in cases is likely the result of the spreading delta variant, which officially became the dominant strand of COVID-19 in Ohio in early August.

"For those who get infected with the delta variant, experts say they may have a higher viral load than those who are infected with other strains. It is much more contagious than any version of COVID-19 that we have encountered and remains exceedingly dangerous to those who are not vaccinated," Gov. Mike DeWine's office said in a statement at the time.

Hospitalizations were also up versus their statewide average on Wednesday, with 147 Ohioans entering hospitals for COVID-19 treatment. Ohio is currently averaging 74 new COVID-19 hospitalizations per day. Fourteen Ohioans were also moved to intensive care units for COVID-19 treatment on Wednesday.

As Ohio continues to grapple with the spread of the delta variant, the reins of the Ohio Department of Health are being handed over to Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff. Vanderhoff was serving as the department's chief medical officer, but was promoted to director on Wednesday, DeWine announced.