COLUMBUS — Amy Acton, MD, MPH, Director of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), declared novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), an immediately reportable disease.

By issuing a Director’s Journal Entry, Dr. Acton elevated 2019-nCoV to a Class A disease. This is a proactive step to ensure appropriate reporting of suspected cases, should the need arise in Ohio. No cases have been reported in Ohio to date. However, one case has been reported in Washington state and this step helps reinforce Ohio’s ongoing preparedness work.

The Ohio Department of Health has been closely monitoring developments related to 2019-nCoV in tandem with the Centers for Disease Control. 2019-nCoV is considered a low risk to the American public, according to the CDC. (read more)