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    Coronavirus Update: Vaccination Phase 1C & Phase 2, Rental Assistance, & More

    Keep up with regular news updates regarding Columbus and Ohio’s response to COVID-19 here.

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    The Numbers

    COVID-19 cases — In Columbus, 120 cases of COVID-19 were reported for Wednesday, March 3. As of Thursday, March 4, 79,807 total cases and 958 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported in Columbus and Worthington.

    In Franklin County at large, 190 cases were reported for Wednesday.

    Countywide, 120,141 total cases and 1,433 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported by Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health.

    In Ohio, 1,875 cases were reported on Thursday.

    Statewide, 974,480 total cases and 16,750 deaths have been confirmed or are probable, as reported by the Ohio Department of Health. 919,296 Ohioans are presumed recovered.

    The number of deaths the state reported last week is lower than the number of deaths now reported. The state will no longer report probable deaths, and the confirmed total will now only be updated twice a week.

    According to the Ohio Vaccination Dashboard, 1,803,091 Ohioans (15.43% of the total population) have been administered at least one dose of the vaccine. 179,780 Franklin County residents (13.65% of the county population) have received at least one valid dose.

    See a list of COVID-19 vaccine providers here.

    More Updates

    City of Columbus Outdoor Seating Pilot Program Restarting on March 15

    Vaccine Eligilibilty — On Thursday, Phase 1C and Phase 2 of Ohio’s vaccination plan went into effect, as doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine arrive in Ohio. The two phases allow individuals with diabetes, ALS, individuals who are pregnant, marrow transplant recipients, and residents over 60. Childcare service workers, pre-K teachers, job and family services specialists, funeral service workers, law enforcement, and corrections officers are also now eligible.

    Rental Assistance — Franklin County commissioners have announced additional funding for immediate rental and utility assistance through Impact Community Action and the Community Shelter Board, in the amount of $2.5 million. The funding reportedly will assist nearly 800 individuals or families struggling to pay rent or utility bills.

    Both agencies will administer funds through their own separate programs, with eligibility based on income. Applications for rental or utility assistance from Impact open on March 8.

    Blue Jackets Can Seat More Fans, Clippers Season Delayed — The Columbus Clippers, along with other Triple-A baseball teams, will have their season delayed by a month due to adjustments to Major League Baseball’s training schedule. The Clippers season will now begin May 4, with its home opener set for May 11.

    In other sports news, the Columbus Blue Jackets will be allowed to seat fans at 10% of Nationwide Arena’s capacity, which is just under 2,000.

    For more information on COVID-19 in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

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    Taijuan Moorman
    Taijuan Moormanhttps://columbusunderground.com
    Taijuan Moorman is a former reporter and social media specialist for Columbus Underground and The Metropreneur who covered civics, arts, entertainment, lifestyle, and business news and features.
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