85,177 cases in Ohio; 27,601 in Kentucky; 62,907 in Indiana

The COVID-19 outbreak is continuing to change everyday life for millions of Americans. Leaders across the county, including the Tri-State area, are providing daily updates on confirmed cases, deaths and measures taking to curb the spread of the virus. Here, you can get the latest information on the coronavirus in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana as well as resources to be prepared and keep your family safe.LATEST CASE NUMBERS: Ohio, 85,177, 3,344 deaths | Kentucky, 27,601, 709 deaths | Indiana, 62,907, 2,709 deaths 15 Days to Slow the Spread: CLICK HERE to read the CDC guidelines on coronavirus Educational resources: CLICK HERE to access online learning resourcesCORONAVIRUS IN OHIO Eight new Ohio counties have “gone red,” Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday, saying that 23 counties across the state are now at a Level 3 state of emergency.That means these 23 counties are at a very high risk for exposure and spread of the coronavirus.Of these 23 counties, only one county –Allen County — is on the governor’s “watchlist,” meaning it is teetering dangerously close to purple, the state’s highest alert level.As of July 24, the counties in red include Allen, Athens, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Defiance, Delaware, Erie, Fairfield, Franklin, Hamilton , Hardin, Henry, Lawrence, Licking, Lucas, Marion, Medina, Montgomery, Pickaway, Richland, Scioto and Union.Four counties that were previously listed as red have been downgraded to an Orange Alert Level 2. Those counties include Butler, Lorain, Summit and Wood. Last week, 19 counties were listed as Red Alert Level 2. The governor said cases continue to increase across the state.What’s contributing to the increase? The governor blamed several large gatherings across Ohio.”Family and friends on group trips to hot spots in other states. One trip resulted in 15 cases. Friends and family pool parties also have contributed to the county’s increasing numbers,” DeWine said.”Recent outbreaks have also included multiple cases associated with kids’ sleepover parties, and a nursing facility outbreak,” he added.One case, in particular, was particularly egregious, the governor said, saying that more than 50 cases have been tied to a single event at a winery.”Many of these cases have been traced back to a “Name that Tune” event at a local winery on July 11 which has resulted in 53 related cases. The numbers associated with this event may grow as the outbreak investigation continues.”Mobile users can click here to view an interactive county-by-county map.CORONAVIRUS IN KENTUCKYKentucky bars and restaurants will soon be under more restrictive measures due to increases in the state’s COVID-19 numbers over the past few weeks.Gov. Andy Beshear made the decision official Monday during his latest COVID-19 briefing.Beginning Tuesday at 5 p.m., all of Kentucky’s freestanding bars will be forced to close for two weeks, the governor said.Additionally, restaurants will be forced to operate at 25% indoor capacity. Outside seating at restaurants can operate at 100 percent with social distancingOver the weekend, the governor alluded that the state would take “additional steps” to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.When bars reopen on Aug. 11, there will be additional strict regulations, Beshear said, which will include all patrons being seated at all times.On Monday, Beshear also announced that he’s recommending all public and private schools in Kentucky to wait until the third week of August to start in-person classes.”By waiting until the third week of August, we believe this gives us a chance to get this virus under control,” Beshear said.The governor took aggressive steps in the spring to shut down much of the state’s economy to curb the virus. Beshear eventually lifted or eased many of those restrictions to reopen commerce and other activities, but has since taken new steps to try to reverse the state’s record surge in cases.Besides the mask mandate, Beshear recently announced limits on social gatherings and a travel advisory. Kentuckians traveling to several hot-spot states are recommended to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine. He also reduced the number of people allowed at social gatherings from 50 to 10. The rule doesn’t apply to businesses or wedding venues.CORONAVIRUS IN INDIANAState health officials added three more coronavirus-related deaths to Indiana’s pandemic total on Monday, the same day the governor’s statewide mandate for wearing face masks took effect.The new COVID-19 fatalities occurred since Friday and pushed Indiana’s total to 2,906, including confirmed and presumed cases, since the state’s first death was recorded in mid-March, the Indiana State Department of Health said.Gov. Eric Holcomb pointed last week to the renewed growth in coronavirus infections and hospitalizations in announcing the statewide mask order that’s aimed at slowing the virus’ spread. The Republican governor’s executive order issued Friday leaves it up to state and local health departments to enforce compliance because he dropped a criminal penalty from the mandate after criticism from some law enforcement officials and conservative lawmakers. An additional 561 confirmed virus infections were also announced Monday by the state health department. That is the lowest total in more than two weeks, although fewer test results are typically reported during weekends.Indiana’s seven-day average of new cases and its number of COVID-19 hospitalizations remain higher than a month ago, when those numbers started rising following declines from previous peaks in April and early May.The number of newly reported infections topped 1,000 on Friday for the first time since the outbreak hit Indiana during March. Indiana’s average deaths remain about 20% of the late April and early May peak, but health officials have said they worry about that growing in the coming weeks with additional infections and hospitalizations.Symptoms:According to the CDC, the following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure: Fever, cough and shortness of breath.Emergency warning signs include:Difficulty breathing or shortness of breathPersistent pain or pressure in the chestNew confusion or inability to arouseBluish lips or face*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.This chart from Prospect Pediatrics compares COVID-19 symptoms to the cold and flu:Resources: – Ohio coronavirus hotline: 833-427-5634- Kentucky coronavirus hotline: (800) 722-5725- Indiana general questions can be directed to the ISDH Epidemiology Resource Center at 317-233-7125 (317-233-1325 after hours) or e-mail [email protected] for Disease Control and Prevention websiteWhat to do if you think you have it:Officials have urged people to be conscious not to overwhelm the health care system. This graphic will help you decide when it is time to see a physician. Helpful tips and guides: → Here’s what you should do if you already have the coronavirus → Dealing with stress, anxiety during coronavirus outbreak→ These viral social media coronavirus posts are FALSE→ How long should you wash your hands to avoid the coronavirus?→ Guidance for self isolation and home quarantine→ How to clean your car for coronavirus→ A guide to keeping your child safe and reassured as coronavirus spreads→ This map tracks the coronavirus in real time→ How to work from home without losing your sanity