Gov. DeWine Urging Ohioans To Stay Diligent In Fighting Against COVID-19

Eighteen Ohio counties have entered Red level which indicates very high exposure and spread of COVID-19.

(Columbus, Oh.) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is urging Ohioans not to get lax when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

The governor announced Thursday that 18 counties are in the Red, which indicates very high exposure and spread of the virus. That is the highest number since the week of July 23rd.

Hamilton County is among the 18 counties in a Level 3 Public Emergency. Another 58 counties are at Orange level.

DeWine says that 96 percent of Ohioans are living in Red or Orange counties.

“To live with the virus, we need to adjust our routines,” said DeWine. “That may mean reconsidering attending a crowded event or going to a party. And if you happen to get sick—please answer the phone when you get a call from a contact tracer. Our basic prevention measures hold as true today as they did at the beginning of the pandemic: Stay home when you are sick—even if you think you have allergies or a common cold. Wear a mask. Social distance. And quarantine when you are exposed.”

According to the Ohio Department of Health, the state’s positivity rate has jumped to 3.9 percent and the 7-day rolling average is 3.3 percent. On Thursday, 1,539 new cases were reported.

“This reflects the ongoing increasing trend of virus spread that we are seeing throughout the state,” said DeWine. “These numbers are not good.”

Locally, Hamilton County has reported 14,208 cases, 1,185 hospitalizations, 333 deaths and 12,447 presumed recovered.

“The virus is spreading in more areas of the state and impacting a wider swath of Ohioans,” said DeWine. “Local health departments tell us this is due to lax social distancing, not enough people wearing masks, and people not following quarantine and isolation guidance.”

Now that we are heading into flu season, DeWine added that getting your annual flu shot is another layer of protection to stay healthy.

“This is the most important flu vaccination season in our history, as we fight both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. In addition to drive-through clinics hosted throughout the state, you can also get a flu shot at your doctor’s office, retail pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and at federally qualified health care centers.”

For more information, visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov.