The Ohio Department of Health recorded fewer than 2,000 new COVID-19 cases Monday — the first time it’s done so since Oct. 19, 2020.
ODH reported 1,926 new diagnoses, 134 new hospitalizations and 36 new deaths Monday afternoon. All three numbers were significantly lower than the state’s 21-day average.
Daily COVID-19 case numbers have steadily declined in Ohio since Jan. 12, when ODH recorded 7,981 new diagnoses. Every day since has reported a lower number — not always lower than the previous day, but always lower than 7,981.
It’s good news as Ohio reaches the end of its “Phase 1B” vaccination group, which includes all seniors over 65, K-12 teachers and people with certain severe health problems that can be complicated by COVID-19.
But good news can’t be the end of caution, Gov. Mike DeWine told the state during his Feb. 4 news conference. Supply of the vaccine remains badly limited and unlikely to expand significantly until March.
His administration is unsure, he added, when it will begin expanding its vaccine eligibility criteria again to include younger patients and other professions.
