Coronavirus in Ohio Tuesday update: 15,000 new cases and 300 additional deaths reported
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Ohio Department of Health has released the latest numbers related to the coronavirus pandemic in the state.
Numbers as of Tuesday, Jan. 18 follow:
| Total | Change | |
| New cases | 2,418,722 | +15,077 |
| Hospitalizations | 102,717 | +423 |
| ICU admissions | 12,335 | +45 |
| Deaths* | 31,245 | +323 |
The 21-day case average is above 22,000.
The department reported 4,754 people started the vaccination process, bringing the total to 7,113,063, which is 60.85% of the state’s population. And 11,567 received booster shots.
The Ohio Hospital Association reported the following numbers related to COVID-19 patients:
| Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 | No. | Percent of total beds | Percent of total beds available |
| Total | 6,036 | 24.7% | 16.9% |
| In ICU | 1,161 | 26.55% | 17.20% |
| On ventilator | 815 | 16.32% | 59.66% |
The federal website to request an order for free COVID-19 tests is live and taking orders. Preliminary research in Israel indicates a fourth vaccine provides limited defense against the omicron variant. The CDC is advising schools cancel high-risk activities, like sports and band, in areas with high COVID transmission.