COVID deaths in Ohio reach 30,000 across pandemic

21-day case average now 15,300.

Ohio reached a grim milestone of more than 30,000 deaths related to COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

The Ohio Department of Health added 398 deaths on Friday, bringing the total to 30,072.

COVID-19 hospitalizations were only slightly up Friday, but still set a record for the ninth consecutive day as the 21-day case average for the first time exceeded 15,000.

There were 19,563 new coronavirus cases reported Friday, which brings the 21-day case average to 15,355, the ODH reported.

COVID patients make up one-third of all hospitalizations across the state and represent one-third of all ICU patients.

There were 6,570 coronavirus patients in Ohio’s hospitals Friday, up from 6,550 the day before. Of those, 1,327 are receiving intensive care.

At Kettering Health and Premier Health hospitals, 89% of COVID patients in the ICU are unvaccinated, according to the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association.

For the first time since New Year’s Eve, the number of COVID patients on a ventilator dropped from the previous day. There are now 855 patients using a ventilator, compared to 883 reported Thursday.

As of Friday, 60.25% of Ohioans have at least started the COVID-19 vaccine, including 70.44% of adults and 64.03% of those 5 and older. Of those, 55.38% have completed the vaccine, including 65.28% of adults and 58.86% of those 5 and older.

More than 2.86 million Ohioans have received a booster vaccine dose, including 31,264 reported in the last day, according to ODH data.

The state updates mortality data twice each week as reports are received.

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