Coronavirus vaccine supply limited as state expands eligibility next week – Crain’s Cleveland Business

More than 360,000 people in Ohio have been vaccinated against COVID-19, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday, Jan. 14.

That number represents about 72% of the vaccines the state has received from the federal government.

"We do not have enough vaccines in Ohio right now, but we hope our allotment will increase in the future," he added.

Those 80 years and older will be added to front line health care workers and congregate care staff and residents as Ohioans permitted to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. DeWine warned, however, that with more than 400,000 residents in that age bracket and only 100,000 vaccines available, the supply will be insufficient.

"The big picture on vaccines is that we do not have enough," the governor said.

Those in the eligible demographic must register with one of the state's 750 providers which will be made public by county health departments this week, DeWine said.

Although there is no plan yet for a centralized state site to register to get the vaccine, Ohio plans to post information about the local providers on the health department site starting Friday.

The Ohio Health Department reported 7,654 new COVID-19 cases, 109 fatalities and 340 new hospitalizations, with 37 of those people admitted to an intensive care unit for Thursday. All of those reported indicators are above the 21-day average.

New coronavirus cases statewide have also increased since last week from an average of 657 positive cases per 100,000 population to 740 positive cases per 100,000 population.

"We are not seeing a dramatic surge after Christmas and New Year, but there is a bit of an upswing in cases," DeWine said.

Lt. Jon Husted also announced that General Motors committed to invest $12 million as part of an agreement that includes the company refunding $28 million in tax credits to the state.

General Motors received tax credits for an assembly plant in Lordstown and then shuttered the facility in 2019.

Per the settlement, Youngstown State University will receive $5 million for a workforce development program and funding for the university's Energy Storage Innovation and Training Center. The village of Lordstown is set to receive $3 million for a new water tower. The Eastgate Regional council government will get $2.5 million for infrastructure projects, and $1.5 million will go to support the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition.

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Coronavirus vaccine supply limited as state expands eligibility next week - Crain's Cleveland Business