COVID-19 Alert - February 16
By the Numbers:
Individuals Tested: 9,306,234
Individuals Vaccinated (Started): 1,324,206
Total Cases: 943,291
Case Increase in Last 24-Hour Period: 2,026
21 Day Reported Case Average: 3,351
Total Deaths: 16,453
Deaths Reported in Last 24-Hour Period: 59
21 Day Reported Death Average: 267
Total Hospitalizations: 48,739
Hospitalization Increase in Last 24-Hour Period: 104
21 Day Reported Hospitalizations Average: 165
Total ICU Admissions: 6,949
ICU Admissions Increase in Last 24-Hour Period: 10
21 Day Reported ICU Admissions Average: 17
Weather Delays:
Due to severe weather across Ohio and the country, both Pfizer and Moderna have advised that direct vaccine shipments to providers may be delayed one to two days. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) contacted all providers that are expecting direct shipments to notify them of these potential delays.
Vaccine providers scheduled to receive a vaccine parcel today from Ohio's Receipt, Store, and Stage (RSS) Warehouse are receiving their deliveries on a two-hour delay.
Many providers are continuing with their scheduled vaccination appointments, but some have canceled appointments due to snow emergencies. These providers are contacting patients by phone call, email, or by posting on social media.
Ohioans who haven’t heard from their provider and are concerned about whether or not their appointment is still scheduled should contact their provider or visit their website.
Ohioans who need to cancel their vaccination for any reason should contact their provider to reschedule.
Central Scheduling System Update:
Ohio's centralized scheduling website has been created, and ODH is now working with vaccine providers to enroll them in the system.
The website will serve as a singular location for Ohioans to confirm that they are eligible to be vaccinated, identify nearby providers, and schedule their vaccine appointment.
Ohio and approximately 40 other states chose not to use the centralized system that the federal government intended to develop. Instead, Ohio chose to build its own centralized scheduling system. Despite the significant build time and configuration, the system was built within Ohio's intended timeframe.
ODH will work directly with vaccine providers to integrate their current systems into the statewide system and assist them in working through current waitlists to potentially integrate these commitments into the centralized system. Providers will be expected to use this system as Ohio looks to the future, and guidance will be provided in the near future regarding deadlines.
Virtual Townhalls:
As part of Ohio's continuing efforts to ensure equity in Ohio's vaccination program, ODH is holding virtual town hall meetings focused on specific minority communities. These virtual meetings will involve local medical professionals and community leaders who will guide these conversations to discuss the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The meetings are intended to jumpstart conversations and give local leaders and attendees the tools they need to better inform members of their communities about vaccine facts, enhance access to trusted resources, and drive conversations in their own communities about why vaccinations are important.