Here are the latest updates from the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department regarding the coronavirus pandemic in our community:
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 cases is 416 females and 323 males, 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.
Saturday
New numbers
As of Saturday, there were 706 confirmed and 29 probable cases of coronavirus reported, making a total of 735 cases in the county.
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department is also reporting 31 confirmed deaths due to the virus.
Friday
New numbers
As of Friday, there were 672 confirmed and 29 probable cases of coronavirus reported, making a total of 701 cases in the county.
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department reported 28 confirmed and no probable deaths due to the virus.
The total gender distribution in the county is 397 female cases and 304 male, with a total age range of 3 - 99 years old.
Here is a look at the number of first responders in quarantine or isolation:
Wednesday
A virtual briefing took place Wednesday morning, conducted by the Toledo-Lucas County Health Commissioner Dr. Eric Zgodzinski and Doni Miller, chief executive officer of the Neighborhood Health Association.
Zgodzinski addressed the new case definitions that are being used by the CDC and the Ohio Department of Health. Now in Lucas County, probable cases of COVID-19 are being identified as well.
If a patient meets COVID-19 criteria and also has an epidemiological link to someone who has been tested positive, but that patient doesn't have a positive lab result, that probable label will be given.
"What's going to happen as we get more of these probables, we're going to get a better idea of what's going on in our community," Zgodzinski said. He noted we're going to see an increase in the number of cases because of this additional probable case data.
The health department is looking for volunteers to join its medical reserve corps. This is in addition to student helpers from UToledo who are already volunteering. Zgodzinski said these volunteers are needed to collect information from people in the community to trace steps of people who have COVID-19, to see where other exposures may have occurred. Retired medical professionals are especially sought, Zgodzinski said, and the work takes place from home. To volunteer, visit ohioresponds.odh.ohio.gov.
"Without testing, we need better tools," he said, referencing the survey people are asked to fill out if they are experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
The health commissioner also addressed the calls that his department has received regarding essential and non-essential businesses that may not be keeping people safe. The number of calls by residents concerned about businesses has dropped, he said, and the department is now doing spot checks to see how well businesses are complying with the safety aspect of the stay-at-home order.
"There are some stores that are having some issues and we're attempting to work with them," Zgodzinski said. "There is enforcement to that and we have had enforcement on certain stores that has helped them understand what they need to do for their staff and their employees."
Even after the pandemic danger has passed the peak, Zgodzinski said that businesses will need to operate differently. Also, mask wearing and face covering will be still recommended.
"That recommendation is to wear a face covering while you're out in public and walking around. This does not let you move closer than that six-foot area," Zgodzinski said. As we come out of this recovery phase, we'll probably still see more face coverings worn at businesses, he said.
As to why we need to maintain these stay-at-home orders and not open up too early, Zgodzinski said that we need to open up in a way that doesn't outpace the ability for us to stay on top of flattening the curve.
"From my personal standpoint, we're not there yet, but I think we're close. We don't know enough about the disease right now though to say 'yes let's open up and move forward.' We're not in enough of that downward slope yet to reopen. We need to be careful as a community," Zgodzinski said.
New Numbers
The COVID-19 numbers for Lucas County for Wednesday, April 15, are as follows:
- 608 total cases; 579 confirmed and 29 total cases
- 28 confirmed deaths; 0 probable
- 283 male cases
- 325 female cases
- The ages range from 3 to 99
- Case breakdown by race is: 180 white, 297 black, 23 other, 108 unreported
- Deaths breakdown by race is: 15 white, 10 black, 1 other, 2 unreported
Miller, the CEO of Neighborhood Health Solutions, said we need to get a handle on the spread in communities of color "if we want to get a handle on this at all."
She said this does reflect the scenes around the nation when looking at how disproportionately minority populations are being affected. Underlying health conditions in minorities are playing a part in why COVID-19 is affecting this population, she said. Diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity are health issues that are over-represented in communities of color, Miller said, and the virus attacks these conditions.
If you have these underlying conditions, you are more likely to die from coronavirus, Miller said.
"If you are not feeling well, this virus will kill you. It will take you away from your families, your loved ones. It will cut short your contribution to your communities and whatever legacy you want to leave. There won't be home goings like we're used to," Miller said. "You can't pretend that this isn't happening to us. ... This is killing us. This is something we need to be extraordinarily cautious about. We have the power to stop this. Socially distance, even if you're in a house with lots of people, figure it out. Wash your hands for 20 seconds. Wearing masks when you are leaving your house or business - and they don't have to be fancy masks. You can make them out of bandannas."
She acknowledged that not all people can stay home, but are essential, such as those working in hospitality, food service and grocery stores. She said workers can take precautions, such as washing hands, leaving shoes outside and washing clothes.
When you're looking at the kind of data we're looking at, it does arise in areas where the population is denser. ... Lots of inter-generational engagement in my communities, where we have often welcomed others into our homes to care for them. ... There's a lot of inter-generational connectivity in our community," Miller care.
Harder issues to get your arms around are structural issues like lack of access to care and insurance coverage, she said.
If you have questions or symptoms, you are encouraged to call 419-251-4000 or 419-291-5355.
Mental health help can be found any one of the following emotional support lines:
- COVID-19 emotional support 419-442-0580
- Crisis hotline: 419-255-3125
- Supporting local heroes: 419-841-6781
- Zepf Center: 419-841-7701
FULL BRIEFING:
Tuesday
New numbers:
The COVID-19 numbers for Lucas County for Tuesday, April 14, are as follows:
- 555 total cases
- 25 deaths
- 258 male cases
- 297 female cases
- The ages range from 3 to 99
The three most recent deaths reported represent one male in his 90s, one female in her 90s and one female in her 80s.
In total, there are 26 first responders in quarantine and 18 in isolation.
Here is a breakdown of the first responders in Lucas County in quarantine and isolation:
Monday
New numbers:
The COVID-19 numbers for Lucas County for Monday, April 13, are as follows:
- 515 total cases
- 22 deaths
- 242 male cases
- 273 female cases
- The ages range from 3 to 98
Sunday
New numbers:
The COVID-19 numbers for Lucas County for Sunday, April 12, are as follows:
- 508 total cases
- 22 deaths
- 238 male cases
- 270 female cases
- The ages range from 3 to 98
The number of first responders in Lucas County in quarantine and isolation:
Facts not fear: Putting COVID-19 into context
WTOL 11’s coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit /coronavirus-covid-19 for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan specifically, learn more about the symptoms and keep tabs on the cases around the world here. Have a question? Text it to us at 419-248-1100.
Protect yourself from coronavirus
- Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined can.
- Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use and alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands