Coronavirus In Ohio: 3,281 New Cases, 63 Deaths

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio's COVID-19 numbers continue to trend downward, according to data from the state health department.

The Buckeye State has seen declining numbers of newly confirmed cases, deaths and hospitalizations related to the virus. If current trends hold, Gov. Mike DeWine may soon lift the statewide curfew.

DeWine thinks Ohio's strategy of vaccinating the most-vulnerable residents has led to a dip in cases. He has defended his strategy even under criticism accusing him of rolling the vaccine out too slowly and ignoring key groups of frontline workers.

"While there is a compelling case for this group and many groups to receive the vaccine as soon as possible, there is not enough vaccine supply right now to vaccinate all groups at this time. Vaccine eligibility to date has reflected Governor DeWine's goals of saving as many lives as possible and returning K-12 students to in-person instruction," a DeWine spokesperson said in response to recent critiques.

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Here are all of Tuesday's COVID-19 numbers:

• New cases: 3,281.
• New deaths: 63.
• New hospitalizations: 227.
• New ICU admissions: 20.

The Ohio Department of Health estimated that 841,193 Ohioans have contracted COVID-19 and recovered.

More than 9 percent of Ohioans have received at least the first part of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the state health department. As of Wednesday afternoon, 1.1 million Ohioans had received at least the first shot and 348,247 Ohioans have completed the vaccination process.