Virus cases see serious drop; 4 bars cited

The Ohio Department of Health reported 773 more coronavirus infections Sunday, bumping up the overall number of cases to 130,558.

But there was good news: Sunday’s number was markedly below the 21-day average of 1,061 newly reported cases per day.

The number of newly reported deaths dropped to 3, also well below a 21-day average.

New hospitalizations stood at 33, another significant decline, and only one new ICU admission was reported.

Also Sunday, the State Highway Patrol said that four more bars/clubs were cited overnight by agents from the Ohio Investigative Unit for failing to follow regulations in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

Elite Nightclub on Channingway

Center Drive on Columbus’ Far East Side was issued a citation for improper conduct that, the patrol said, included groups of people standing and drinking, unmasked employees, and an unmasked crowd pressed four people deep against a stage during a concert.

Also cited in Columbus was Dahlia Nightclub on Vine Street in the Arena District. Agents said they visited the club and saw groups of customers congregating and standing while drinking, and witnessed unmasked people dancing with no social distancing. In addition, agents said employees were not wearing masks.

Cited overnight elsewhere Saturday were Jed’s on Campus (AYA West LLC) in Toledo and Poor Michael’s Bar in Hamilton County’s Springfield Township.

The cases will go before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission. hzachariah@dispatch.com @hollyzachariah