Keep up with regular news updates regarding Columbus and Ohio’s response to COVID-19 here.
The Numbers
COVID-19 cases — In Columbus, 137 cases of COVID-19 were reported as of Wednesday, April 28. As of Thursday, April 29, 88,604 total cases and 1,053 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported in Columbus and Worthington.
In Franklin County at large, 200 cases were reported as of Wednesday.
Countywide, 133,070 total cases and 1,583 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported by Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health.
In Ohio, 1,786 cases were reported on Thursday.
Statewide, 1,070,771 total cases and 19,188 deaths have been confirmed or are probable since the start of the pandemic, as reported by the Ohio Department of Health. 1,016,805 Ohioans have been presumed recovered.
According to the Ohio Vaccination Dashboard, 4,658,250 Ohioans (39.85% of the total population) have been administered at least one dose of the vaccine. 544,662 Franklin County residents (41.36% of the county population) have received at least one valid dose.
Those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine can book an appointment here or call 1-833-427-5634 for help with scheduling.
More Updates
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Resumes — Following the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine resumes in the U.S., Governor Mike DeWine said vaccine providers are permitted to resume administration of the vaccine, “provided they continue to follow all guidance by the CDC and FDA,” he said.
The governor said the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks, referring to the extremely rare yet serious blood-clotting events reported in connection to the vaccine.
People who have received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and develop shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, persistent abdominal pain, severe or persistent headaches or blurred vision should seek immediate medical attention.
Governor Announces Health Orders Removing Restrictions for Vaccinated Ohioans — Gov. DeWine also announced that any Ohioan who has been fully vaccinated no longer has to quarantine if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19. This does not apply to individuals who live or work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or other congregate care settings.
An individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their final dose of a vaccine.
CDC Says Vaccinated Individuals can Resume Some Activities — The CDC has released guidance for people who are vaccinated to return to certain activities. This includes dining at an outdoor restaurant with friends from multiple households and attending a crowded, outdoor event with a mask.
The department said individuals should still consider how COVID-19 is spreading in their community and the number of people participating in the activity.
Franklin County Back to Level 3 (Red) Health Advisory — Franklin County returned to a Level 3 Health Advisory on Thursday, after spending two weeks at a Level 4 advisory.
According to the advisory system, a decrease in hospital admissions and outpatient visits is the cause.
For more information on COVID-19 in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.