The number of confirmed cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio has grown to 26, as of 2 p.m. Saturday.

“This should not alarm people,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “We knew this was coming.”

Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton explained that 14 males and 12 females are now infected.

Their ages range between 31 years-old and 86 years-old with the mean age being 53.

Of those cases, seven individuals are currently hospitalized. There have been zero deaths.

An additional 264 individuals are under investigation and 85 persons under investigation tested negative for COVID-19.

The counties with confirmed cases now include:

• Belmont — 2
• Butler — 4
• Cuyahoga — 11
• Franklin — 1
• Lorain — 1
• Stark — 3 
• Summit — 2
• Trumbull — 2

In Muskingum County, there are zero confirmed cases, three people under investigation and two negative test results of persons under investigation.

Mental Health and Addiction Services

Lori Criss, Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services announced the passage of Ohio’s COVID-19 Opioid Treatment Plan. 

According to Criss, the plan changes the regulatory structure to allow different opportunities to work with patients and respond to their needs.

There are now emergency rules in place that expand telehealth resources through Medicaid, which allows patients to receive medical care over the phone.

Additionally, the requirement to see a doctor in-person for consultation before receiving services has now been waived.

Criss encouraged anyone currently receiving treatment to continue doing so unless they are feeling sick.

“Don’t skip appointments if you’re afraid of exposure,” said Criss. 

Anyone that is unsure if they should be going to a face-to-face appointment should call their treatment provider beforehand, Criss advised.