What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In early 2020, the virus spread quickly worldwide, resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic, the biggest public health challenge faced by our state, nation, and world in modern times. 

COVID-19 has claimed more than 6.9 million lives globally. That includes more than 1 million U.S. residents and more than 42,000 Ohioans.

The Ohio Department of Health’s focus from day one of the COVID-19 pandemic was to save lives. Under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine, Ohioans have worked tirelessly to minimize community spread and protect our most vulnerable residents while ensuring minimal disruption to critical life-saving services. This could have not been accomplished without several critical partners across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. This includes other state agencies, local health departments, hospitals and healthcare systems, community leaders and organizations, universities, and K-12 school leaders.

COVID-19 Today

Because of everyone’s efforts, we are in a much different place than we were in 2020. While COVID-19 remains a threat, especially to our most vulnerable populations, today we have the tools to minimize the devastating and long-term impacts of COVID-19 that we did not have at the start of the pandemic. This includes increased surveillance, testing, vaccines, treatments, and a better understanding of the disease.

Now that the COVID-19 public health emergency is over, Ohio is transitioning from an emergency pandemic response to incorporating disease investigation, vaccination, testing, treatment, and public health recommendations into a sustainable health practice as we accept COVID-19 as an endemic disease. ODH remains committed to preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19, with a special focus on populations of higher risk.

This web page will provide you with what you currently need to know about COVID-19, including information on vaccinations, what to do if you are diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19, as well as updated options regarding testing and treatment.

The COVID-19 emergency is over. What does that mean?

The transition that started May 11, 2023, signals that COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatments will eventually return to a more traditional healthcare coverage model. As a result, while many Ohioans may continue to have little to no out-of-pocket expenses for COVID-related care, over time others may face some additional expenses. ODH, in conjunction with Governor DeWine and other state agencies, will do all it can to alleviate the impact of this change.