Over 1,100 new COVID-19 cases reported in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — The Ohio Department of Health reported 85,117 total coronavirus cases with 10,285 cumulative hospitalizations and 3,344 deaths on Monday. Cases increased by 1,104 with 86 more hospitalizations and 37 additional deaths since Sunday.

59,413 people are presumed to be recovered by the state. Presumed recovered means people who are over 21 days past onset of the virus who are not deceased.

Last week, the White House Coronavirus Task Force dubbed Columbus and Cleveland as two of 11 U.S. cities that may be possible coronavirus hotspots.

In a press conference on Monday, Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts said cases have spiked 220% in Columbus and Worthington since the state and city started reopening.

When asked if the rise in cases is just a matter of increased coronavirus testing, Dr. Roberts said her teams look at the positivity rate for the answer.

The World Health Organization, Johns Hopkins University says, recommends a positivity rate of 5% or less with adequate testing. If the virus is not spreading, more testing should decrease the positivity rate. If there is inadequate testing or if the virus is spreading, the positivity rate will go up.

Roberts noted that during the statewide shutdown order, the positivity rate in Columbus was closer to 6%. In mid-July, it has risen to 13%.

Roberts isn't the only health official worried about the positivity rate. Response Coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force Dr. Deborah Birx spoke exclusively with ABC 6/FOX 28 after meeting with state and local politicians and health officials.

“We have seven states right now with less than 2% test positivity,” said Dr. Birx. “Ohio is almost to seven. So this is why were concerned. This is why we believe that if every Ohioan acts now, they can change the course of this pandemic before it gets significantly out of control and your hospitals start filling up,” Dr. Birx said.