Grafton Correctional Institution inmate 'probable' COVID-19 death

Data from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has identified the first inmate in a Lorain County prison thought to have died as a result of COVID-19. New data updated Tuesday lists one probable COVID-19-related inmate death at Grafton Correctional Institution. As of Tuesday, Grafton Correctional was reporting five prisoners isolated with active cases of COVID-19. Two others who had active coronavirus cases Monday were reported to be recovered Tuesday. Nine Grafton Correctional staff members were also reported to have positive COVID-19 cases that had not yet been reported recovered Tuesday. Though it was the first COVID-19 death, probable or otherwise, reported at a Lorain County prison, 85 people in the county at large have died as a result of coronavirus, according to Lorain County Public Health data. One of those deaths was new Tuesday, a woman age 80 or older. Local long-term care facilities continue to see spread of the virus. In a letter to family members, The Abbewood Senior Living Community management team reported that more than one associate had tested positive for COVID-19, but it is believed the exposure to other associates and residents was "very minimal." The Elyria long-term care facility is limiting resident exposure through Nov. 16, according to the letter, and policies will be re-evaluated at that time. Statewide long-term care facility resident and staff case data are typically updated Wednesdays on an online Ohio Department of Health dashboard. In Lorain County overall Tuesday, Lorain County Public Health reported 50 new virus cases, all confirmed by testing. Nine new recoveries were reported. The number of COVID-19 contacts actively monitored in quarantine passed 1,000, reaching 1,039 in the afternoon update of the health agency's website. Cumulative totals in the county Tuesday included 3,059 confirmed cases, 428 probable cases and 2,335 recoveries. Statewide, the Ohio Department of Health reported cumulative pandemic totals including 213,350 confirmed cases, 12,788 probable cases, 19,615 hospitalizations, 3,924 intensive care unit admissions, 5,049 confirmed deaths and 324 probable deaths.