Coronavirus Surge Hits New Summer Highs: 7,102 New Cases In Ohio

OHIO — The Buckeye State's summer COVID-19 surge again hit new heights on Wednesday.

In the past 24 hours, 7,102 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed among Ohioans, the most cases confirmed in a single day since the state's winter surge. However, the high case count is likely due to a reporting backlog at the state health department.

"As the result of a laboratory reporting delay, today’s case count will include 1,021 positive COVID-19 cases from antigen testing between Aug. 15-25, 2021. These cases will be assigned to the appropriate illness onset date. This reporting issue has been resolved," the department said in a statement issued Wednesday.

At least 242 people were also hospitalized in the past 24 hours due to COVID-19, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Medical officials from the Ohio Department of Health and hospital systems across the state have warned of staffing shortages and decreasing capacity to care for patients due to the surge.

Also in the past 24 hours, at least 25 Ohioans were moved to intensive care units due to COVID-19 symptoms, the state health department said.

As of Wednesday afternoon, nearly 61 percent of eligible Ohioans have received at least part of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 56 percent of eligible Ohioans have finished the vaccination process. The majority of hospitalized COVID-19 patients have not been vaccinated, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

With Ohio schools back in session, Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health have urged eligible residents to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

“The best way to make sure that your child can stay in school and not have his or her classes interrupted is for that child to be vaccinated. If that child cannot be vaccinated, then best way to ensure a good school year is for that child to wear a mask in class,” said Gov. Mike DeWine in a mid-August statement.

COVID-19 deaths are no longer reported daily in Ohio, the state health department noted.