Acton says Ohio has a major shortage of COVID-19 tests

COLUMBUS — On Sunday, Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton said Ohio is still facing an "incredible" shortage of coronavirus testing kits.

During Gov. Mike Dewine's Sunday press briefing, Acton indicated the numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ohio are not complete because the state does not have the ability to do widespread testing.

"That data is not telling the full story of what is happening," Acton said. "Even the data you'll see in the future is minimal because we are conserving all our available testing for the most high-risk and hospitalized front line workers."

COVID-19 tests are being reserved for the highest risk patients and first responders because there are so few to go around.

"That helps us decide how to best treat and protect others in that environment," Acton said. "You'll see that with clusters, and nursing home outbreaks. You'll see that used with our frontline first responders, and those at most risk."

According to the latest figures from the Ohio Department of Health, the state is reporting 351 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in 40 counties.

Mahoning Valley cases now sit at 21; there are 18 confirmed cases in Mahoning County and three confirmed cases in Trumbull County.

There are 83 hospitalizations across the state for the virus and there have been three deaths – one each in Lucas, Cuyahoga and Erie counties.

This story was originally published March 22, 2020 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Acton says Ohio has a major shortage of COVID-19 tests."