Coronavirus: No new confirmed cases or deaths reported in Miami County Tuesday

After days of bad news, Miami County health officials reported Tuesday that there were no new deaths or new confirmed cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus outbreak occurring in two nursing homes in the county.

Three residents of Koester Pavilion, a nursing home in Troy, have died since Thursday, with one testing positive for COVID-19 and results pending for the others. Twenty-two positive cases of the disease are associated with Koester Pavilion and SpringMeade Heath Center, a nursing home in Tipp City.

One Miami County man, a 56-year-old who had traveled overseas but has no connection with the nursing homes, also has tested positive and is quarantined at home.

RELATED: Coronavirus: Third person dies at local nursing home

As of mid-day on Tuesday, there were no new coronavirus suspected deaths, said Miami County Coroner Dr. William Ginn.

The Koester residents who have died include Alan Shump, 88, of Troy, who tested positive for COVID-19 and died Sunday; Earl Bolinger, 93, who died Thursday; and Glenn Waters, 83, who died on Friday, Ginn said.

Last week officials announced that residents, staff and visitors at Koester had fallen ill with COVID-19, and over the weekend they announced residents and staff at Springmeade were also sick.

On Monday Miami County Health Commissioner Dennis Propes said seven people were hospitalized and 31 others who may have been exposed were being monitored by his county, with an additional unknown number of people being monitored by health officials their county of residence.

RELATED: Experts: Nursing home cases a sign of how infectious coronavirus is

On Tuesday Propes’ office said they were being inundated with questions about the “Stay-at-Home” order issued by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton, who heads the Ohio Department of Health. The order took effect Monday night.

Miami County Public Health “is working with organizations to help provide a more clear understanding of what is considered ‘essential business’,” according to a news release issued Tuesday. “Companies that remain open need to follow the governor and Dr. Acton’s recommendations on social distancing and guidance on monitoring employee health.”

The full order and frequently asked questions can be read at the state's coronavirus portal.

RELATED: Coronavirus: Complete Coverage

Officials are searching for everyone who had contact with those who died and others infected at Koester and Springmeade, Propes said. No transfers in or out of the facilities are being permitted to try to halt the spread of COVID-19.

Other stories by Lynn Hulsey

Officials push to reverse declines at Dayton International Airport

Convicted former Dayton lawmaker wants Trump to pardon him

Confidential informants, secret recordings reveal ex-city commissioner bribery scheme

City builds ‘firewall’ to prevent corruption after bribery convictions

UDRI researchers discover cause of dangerous jet fuel contamination

About the Author