Ohio's COVID-19 Case Rate Falls This Week

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio's COVID-19 case rate is trending down, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday.

As of Thursday, Ohio is averaging 155 cases per 100,000 residents. If Ohio gets that number down to 50 cases per 100,000, DeWine said he would lift all COVID-19 restrictions.

"Nothing is guaranteed when we're dealing with the virus, but Ohioans continue to do really well," DeWine said.

Last week, Ohio averaged more than 180 cases per 100,000 residents. As vaccine rollout continues, DeWine believes case rates will continue to fall. He encouraged all Ohioans to get a vaccine as soon as it is offered to them.

Fair Guidance

Ohio officials anticipate allowing full county fairs this summer, DeWine said Thursday. There will be some limits to grandstands and social distancing will still be required. Mask wearing will also be required during the events.

"It's possible that when we get to the first month of fairs we could be off the health orders," DeWine said.

Guidelines are based off how fairs would restart if they began today. Further loosening of restrictions could be on the way.

The governor said further guidelines for proms and other events will be forthcoming.

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

• New cases: 1,448.
• New hospitalizations: 112.
• New ICU admissions: 10.

At least 931,411 Ohioans have contracted COVID-19 and recovered, the Ohio Department of Health said.

Nearly 18.5 percent of Ohioans have received at least the first part of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the state health department. More than 10.5 percent of Ohioans have received both COVID-19 vaccine shots.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 2.15 million Ohioans had received at least the first shot of the two-part COVID-19 vaccine; and 1.24 million Ohioans have completed the vaccination process.

To facilitate vaccine distribution, Ohio has launched its first statewide vaccine registration tool, which can be accessed online.