State sees 2nd consecutive daily spike in virus cases

COLUMBUS » Ohio reported a second consecutive daily spike in coronavirus cases on Friday, a day after Gov. Mike DeWine identified a “worrisome” rise in cases in five southwestern Ohio cases.

The 609 cases reported Friday follows a spike of 700 cases reported a day earlier. The 700 was the largest daily increase since May 21. Ohio also saw daily increases of more than 600 cases later in May, after which figures dropped to below 500 over the past couple of weeks.

The state continues to increase testing and is monitoring cases statewide, said Health Department spokeswoman Melanie Amato.

The agency’s daily case count reflects results received within the past 24 hours, with tests typically conducted within the past 36 hours. But people could have experienced symptoms within the past two weeks, Amato said.

The state is keeping a close eye on cases in Clark, Greene, Hamilton (home to Cincinnati), Montgomery (home to Dayton) and Warren. Members of the Ohio National Guard will begin widespread testing in the area, DeWine said Thursday.

The state had nearly 44,000 confirmed or probable cases as of Friday. Ohio has recorded 2,667 confirmed or probable COVID-19 deaths.

Also Friday, the state said the unemployment rate fell to 13.7% in May, down from 17.6% in April, though the figure remains at a near record high. The rates reflect the impact on the economy of shut-down orders meant to slow the coronavirus spread. Those March orders led to thousands of layoffs and unemployment claims.

The national unemployment rate was 13.3% in May, down from 14.7% in April.