Ohio Breaks COVID-19 Cases Record For 2nd Straight Day

COLUMBUS, OH — For the second straight day, Ohio has broken its record for most new COVID-19 cases confirmed in a single day.

Over the past 24 hours, health officials have confirmed 2,425 new COVID-19 cases. That's up versus Wednesday's record-breaking 2,366 new cases.

"What's scary about this is...we don't seem to be even close to a plateau," Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday. More than 1,200 Ohioans are currently hospitalized because of the virus, the governor said.

A Message From Chris Christie

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie joined Thursday's news conference for Ohioans to discuss his COVID-19 diagnosis. He said he once thought himself safe from the virus, and then tested positive for COVID-19.

Days after removing his mask for a brief time in public, Christie felt a "freight train of symptoms." In less than 24 hours, Christie said he went from feeling OK to being cared for in an intensive care unit.

"It's a frightening experience," he said. "This is one of the most unpredictable, random and brutal viruses you'll ever see."

He further said the symptoms felt like he was getting "beaten up from the inside."

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Christie said there is no place to hide from this virus, particularly if you choose not to wear a mask. He said Ohioans, and all Americans, need to continue wearing their masks, avoiding crowds and maintaining 6 feet of distance from others.

"Don't let your guard down, it's not worth it," Christie said. "I made a huge mistake by taking that mask off."

DeWine thanked Christie for sharing his experiences. He echoed the former governor's message, telling Ohioans to follow all health and safety guidelines issued by the CDC and the Ohio Department of Health.

Thursday's Numbers

While new cases were up, new deaths caused by the virus were down. Health officials confirmed 12 new deaths related to COVID-19 on Thursday.

Hospitalizations and ICU admissions were also up on Thursday.

The Buckeye State also saw its second-most COVID-19-related deaths in 24 hours on Wednesday, 66.

Here are all of Thursday's COVID-19 numbers in Ohio:

• New cases: 2,425

• New deaths: 12

• New hospitalizations: 159

• New ICU admissions: 25

More reading

• Here's Which Ohioans Will Get The Coronavirus Vaccine First

• CDC Updates Exposure Guidance; N. Dakota Suspends Contact Tracing

• Pandemic Pushes U.S. Child Hunger To The Brink

This article originally appeared on the Across Ohio Patch