Ohio eased coronavirus restrictions, and Cuyahoga County overdoses climbed, medical examiner says

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner issued a public health alert as Cuyahoga County experienced an increase in deaths attributed to drug overdoses in the 48 hours after the Ohio government eased coronavirus restrictions.

Nine people died from suspected overdoses between late Saturday and late Monday, Dr. Thomas Gilson said. He believes several factors likely contributed to the increase, including easing Ohio’s easing restrictions on social gatherings that began Friday with the reopening bar and restaurant patios.