TOLEDO, Ohio — Here are the latest updates from the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department regarding the coronavirus pandemic in our community:
Sunday
New numbers
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department reported 1080 confirmed and 42 probable cases of coronavirus, for a total of 1,122 in the county.
So far there have been 65 confirmed and 10 probable COVID-related deaths, making 75 total reported.
Saturday
New numbers
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department reported 1029 confirmed and 42 probable cases of coronavirus, for a total of 1,071 in the county.
So far there have been 65 confirmed and 10 probable COVID-related deaths, making 75 total reported.
There have been 443 male and 628 female patients with an age range of 3 to 101 years old.
The death reported on Saturday was a woman in her 60s according to the health department.
Friday
New numbers
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department reported 987 confirmed and 42 probable cases of coronavirus, for a total of 1,029 in the county.
So far there have been 64 confirmed and 10 probable COVID-related deaths, making 74 total reported.
There have been 426 male and 603 female patients with an age range of 3 to 101 years old.
The new deaths reported Friday represent a male in his 80s, two females in their 70s and a female in her 80s.
Here is a break down of the first responders in quarantine and isolation:
Thursday
New numbers
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department reported 893 confirmed and 42 probable cases of coronavirus Wednesday, making a total of 935 in the county.
Additionally, 57 confirmed and 10 probable COVID-related deaths were reported, for at total of 67.
The most recent deaths reported represent one female in her 50s, four females in their 70s, one female in her 80s, one female whose age was unreported, three males in their 60s, five males in their 70s, one male in his 80s and two males in their 90s. These most recent deaths occurred between April 6 and April 23.
To date, there have been 401 male cases and 534 female cases reported in the county with an age range of 3 to 101 years old.
Here is a look at the number first responders in quarantine or isolation:
Wednesday
New numbers
As of Wednesday afternoon, there were 841 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lucas County and 32 probable cases, making the total 873. Additionally, 49 deaths were confirmed and as of right now, there were not probable deaths, according to the health department.
The latest deaths were one man in his 60s, two men in their 70s and a woman in her 90s.
The total gender distribution in the county is 372 male and 501 female cases, with a total age range between 3 to 101-years-old.
Here is a look at the number of first responders in quarantine or isolation:
Tuesday
New numbers
As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 832 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lucas County and 32 probable cases in the county. Additionally, 45 deaths were confirmed and as of right now, there are no probable deaths, according to the health department.
The latest deaths were a man in his 60s, two men in their 70s, one man in his 80s, one woman in her 60s and another woman in her 90s.
The total gender distribution in the county is 490 female cases and 365 male cases, with a total age range between 3 to 101-years-old.
Here is a look at the number of first responders in quarantine or isolation:
Testing
More testing is on the way to Lucas County. Increased testing will allow leaders to identify hot spots, and allocate resources.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said that we cannot begin to go back to "normal" without increased testing.
Local doctors said testing as many people as possible is the key to understanding the virus.
“It is going to help us understand the disease prevalence in our community, those target hotspots and help us drive public policy and eventually ease those restrictions that are out there," ProMedica VP of quality and patient safety Brian Kaminski said.
Health leaders explained, however, that testing is imperfect.
The current testing is molecular testing, meaning they are testing for components of the virus that the person might be shedding at the time they are tested.
Whether you test positive or negative, it is unlikely to affect the recommendations for that individual. You should still stay home and self-isolate. Leaders say that about 25% of people have no symptoms and about 25% of people may test negative even though they are infected.
Because there aren't an infinite number of tests, they are prioritizing people who are symptomatic. This is the best indicator on the virus's impact on the community.
There are three retail partners who have jumped on board to help facilitate testing in our area. They are:
- Kroger
- Rite Aid
- Walmart
Rite Aid Testing Site
On Monday, the Holland Rite Aid on Airport Highway began its first round of "self swab" drive-thru testing. On that first day, 90 individuals were able to be tested. On Tuesday, they plan to test roughly 200 individuals and on Wednesday, the plan is to ramp up testing even more to up to 400 people.
Toledo-Lucas County Health Commissioner Eric Zgodzinski said as more testing locations pop up, the case numbers are likely to increase.
“I do expect us to see an increase in positive cases, which then will increase those contacts which will also increase those probable cases," he said
Results are sent to an outside health care firm. They should be able to get results back to the patient in two to seven days. If they test positive, they will receive a phone call. Those who test negative will receive that information through email.
The screening is by appointment only for those who qualify.
Firsts responders, health care workers and the elderly who are symptomatic are prioritized. But, anyone with symptoms may qualify.
If you do qualify, you must present an ID and show proof of your appointment. Patients should not leave their vehicle. A pharmacist will guide them through the process.
Get started on the process by CLICKING HERE.
Kroger Testing Site
On Thursday, Kroger will begin testing in the area as well.
There will be a drive-thru spot located at the Metroparks Hawkins Farmouse at 5434 West Bancroft Street. Testing will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Leaders anticipate they will test more than 1,000 patients over the next three days.
Anyone with symptoms can be tested at these sites free of cost.
To apply, CLICK HERE.
Patients will go through a virtual screening to see if they are a candidate. If you qualify, you would choose a testing location and appointment time. You'll then get an email verifying your appointment.
Testing through Kroger will also be through a "self swab" in which the patient stays in their car and administers themselves. A pharmacist will be on site to guide them through how to complete the test.
Results are available within 48 hours for the individual and the health department.
Testing sites through Kroger will be expanded in the near future.
Walmart Testing
Walmart will be taking over the Metroparks Hawkins Farmhouse testing site on Wednesday of next week.
Testing will run from Wednesday, April 29 through the end of May or as demand requires.
The test is free. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is eligible for a test. You must have an appointment.
You can get pre-screened and make an appointment by CLICKING HERE.
Testing in Underserved Communities
The Ohio Department of Health has made testing kits available to counties throughout the state.
However, there is a limited supply.
Toledo-Lucas County health commissioner Eric Zgodzinski said that they began to look at underserved populations in our communities and pushing some of these tests out to there to test individuals who meet set criteria.
The Neighborhood Health Association teamed up with the health department to help pinpoint spots where testing can best reach members of these communities.
Both walk-in and drive-up testing will be available at the Nexus Healthcare Association at 1415 Jefferson Ave. and at the Navarre Park Family Health Center located inside the East Toledo Family Center at 1020 Varland Ave. Translation services in Spanish will be available at the Varland Ave. site.
Testing will go from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. beginning Monday, April 27. It will be available regularly Monday through Friday until tests are no longer available.
They will be testing symptomatic residents in the following zip codes:
- 43602
- 43604
- 43605
- 43606
- 43607
- 43608
- 43609
- 43610
- 43611
- 43620
- 43528
This is by appointment only. The association will not begin taking appointments until Friday at 1 p.m. After that, you can call 419-214-5700. Spanish translation will also be available to make an appointment.
To cover the cost, insurance will be billed if available. If not, the cost will be covered.
“Do not let your inability to pay keep you from getting testing. Please use this opportunity," Doni Miller with the Neighborhood Health Association said.
Updated coronavirus data is released by the health department at 4 p.m. daily.
Full briefing from Tuesday:
Monday
New numbers
As of Monday afternoon, there were 795 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lucas County and 27 probable cases, making the total 822. Additionally, 38 deaths were confirmed and as of right now, there are no probable deaths, according to the health department.
The latest deaths were a man in his 80s, three women in their 80s and another woman in her 90s. The dates of these deaths range from April 11 to April 19.
The total gender distribution in the county is 470 female cases and 352 male cases, with a total age range between 3 to 99-years-old.
Here is a look at the number of first responders in quarantine or isolation:
Sunday
New numbers
As of Sunday afternoon, there were 713 confirmed and 26 probable cases of coronavirus reported in Lucas County, for a total of 739 cases.
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department is also reporting 31 confirmed deaths due to the virus.
The gender breakdown of case is 416 female and 323 male and ages range from 3 to 99.
On Sunday evening at 6 p.m. the Health Department will be holding a virtual town hall to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color in the county.