News Brief : COVID-19 cases rise as students return to Ohio campuses

Ohio saw an uptick in COVID-19 cases this past week, with an increase from 13,047 to 13,895 reported.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, hospitalizations in the state are also on the rise over a three-week period, going from 666 cases to 709 cases, reported Jan. 5. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties at a high community level. Mercer County in Pennsylvania is also listed as high. 

Community level is determined by newly reported COVID-19 cases in a county as well as hospital admissions. 

The CDC encourages mask usage, social distancing and self-monitoring for symptoms in areas with high community levels to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Free at-home testing kits are available in Cushwa Hall. For more information, visit ysu.edu/coronavirus-information