Ohio coronavirus cases top 900 in latest daily spike

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio on Friday reported yet another one-day spike in coronavirus cases as pandemic totals continue to rise daily.

The Health Department announced 987 cases, the fourth-highest daily increase since the pandemic began, and a figure not seen since late April when the state was mass testing prisons. Cases were up by nearly 100 from the 892 reported a day earlier.

Over the past two weeks, the rolling average number of daily new cases in Ohio has increased by 258.1, an increase of 66.4%, according to an Associated Press analysis.

The daily number reflects tests done within the past 36 hours, but could include people with symptoms dating back several days.

The spike comes as the average age of Ohioans getting the disease has dropped to around 42.

Gov. Mike DeWine says Ohioans must continue to be vigilant about social distancing, mask-wearing and hand-washing.

The state now has nearly 49,000 probable and confirmed cases, and 2,788 probable and confirmed deaths. Total hospitalizations have topped 7,500, according to the Health Department.

Nationally, the number of confirmed coronavirus infections per day in the U.S. surged to an all-time high of 40,000. With their numbers soaring, Texas and Florida reversed course and clamped down on bars again Friday.