Gov. DeWine discusses surge of coronavirus cases in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine shared details on the coronavirus pandemic during a briefing Monday afternoon.

Total cases Monday rose to 51,046 with 7,746 hospitalizations and 2,818 deaths. Cases increased 737 from 50,309 total cases on Sunday.

Over the weekend, Coronavirus cases exceeded 50,000 statewide. The daily totals now average 563 cases over the last three weeks, significantly higher than the three weeks prior.

DeWine said last week was the state's first week of increasing COVID-19 hospital utilization after more than two months of decreasing utilization since late April. He said last week the state had between 500 and 550 COVID-19 patients occupying hospital beds. This week, that number has increased to about 650.

DeWine said ICU and ventilator utilization are still holding steady, but there have been increases in some parts of the state. He said the increase in hospital occupancy is most apparent in the Cleveland, Dayton and Cincinnati regions. DeWine said in other regions, hospital occupancy had been declining, but it has not leveled off.

DeWine said while hospital utilization is increasing, there is adequate overall capacity. He said no region has reached the concern threshold of 80 percent occupancy for ICU beds.

During his briefing, DeWine said there are concerns about increasing COVID-19 cases in southwest Ohio. He said he spoke with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence about these two counties and they said they would provide additional help for those communities.

DeWine said in an effort to slow the spread of the virus and to make sure hospitals do not get overrun, he is asking Ohioans to remember to practice social distancing, wear a mask in public and to wash their hands regularly.

DeWine also announced new pop-up testing locations that will be open from June 29 to July 2. The free testing sites will be open in Canton, Cincinnati, Lisbon, Bowling Green, and Circleville.

DeWine also announced Monday that beginning on July 20, nursing homes will be permitted to begin outdoor visitation as long as safety standards are met.

He said when assessing their readiness to permit outdoor visitation, nursing homes should consider the following:

• Case status in the community
• Case status in nursing homes
• Staffing levels
• Access to adequate testing for residents/staff
• Personal protective equipment supplies
• Hospital capacity

The governor also said his staff is continuing to work on a plan for schools.

"We continue to work on our plans to help local schools safely reopen, as well as plans to keep Ohioans healthy and safe at work and in their daily lives while the coronavirus remains with us. We're in the phase of learning to live with COVID-19. We hope to announce more soon," DeWine said.

DeWine said he will be extending existing health orders through the week as his staff finalizes plans.

Monday's briefing was moved from Tuesday to Monday because of a scheduled call with First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday, said DeWine.

ABC 6/FOX 28 will continue to follow the latest on the coronavirus pandemic in Ohio.