LIMA — The first report of a patient in Allen County testing positive of COVID-19 has been confirmed by Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center.

The hospital released the following statement at 6 p.m. Wednesday:

“Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center has cared for a patient who has tested positive for novel coronavirus COVID-19.

“We follow safety protocols each and every time we care for a patient. We follow guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state department of health to minimize exposure to other patients and our associates.

“We have followed all CDC cleaning protocols and St. Rita’s remains a safe place to work and to seek care.”

Increased testing and community spread has ballooned the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ohio in the last week. As of Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Health has tallied 704 confirmed cases, and public health officials expect the number to continue to grow.

In the region, cases have been reported in Mercer (1), Hancock (1) and Logan (2) counties.

FILE - This illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Health officials hope to avoid stigma and error in naming the virus causing an international outbreak of respiratory illnesses. But some researchers say the current moniker, 2019 nCoV, which stands for 2019 novel coronavirus, probably won't stick in the public's mind. (CDC via AP, File) https://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2020/03/web1_coronavirus-153.jpg FILE - This illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Health officials hope to avoid stigma and error in naming the virus causing an international outbreak of respiratory illnesses. But some researchers say the current moniker, 2019 nCoV, which stands for 2019 novel coronavirus, probably won't stick in the public's mind. (CDC via AP, File)

By Josh Ellerbrock jellerbrock@limanews.com

Reach Josh Ellerbrock at 567-242-0398.

Reach Josh Ellerbrock at 567-242-0398.