Gov. DeWine Gives Vaccine Update; Directs Flags To Half-Staff On Anniversary Of First COVID Case

A year ago today, Ohio reported its first COVID-19 case.

(Columbus, Oh.) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered all U.S. and Ohio flags to be flown at half-staff to recognize the one-year anniversary of the first recorded COVID-19 case in Ohio.

The governor says all flags at public buildings and grounds throughout the state until sunset on March 9.

Since that first COVID-19 case was reported on March 9, 2020, the state has reported 979,725 cases and 17,502 deaths. Another 927,244 are presumed recovered.

Currently, Ohio has a 21-day reported cases average of 1,831. That number was at 2,775 just two weeks ago.

Ohio will be opening up Phase 2B of their vaccination rollout plan beginning Thursday, March 11. At that time, all Ohioans age 50 and up will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and end-stage renal disease will also become eligible on March 11.

As of today, the Ohio Department of Health is scheduling vaccine appointments through their central scheduling tool at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.

“Ohioans can use the tool to determine if they are eligible to receive the vaccine, schedule appointments, and receive updates and reminders. As of this morning, there were thousands of appointments available through the tool,” said DeWine.