Case Count: The Union County Health Department has received report of 74 cases of COVID-19 among Union County residents. Currently, there are 3 individuals considered actively ill (in isolation), 70 individuals are considered no longer infectious and have been released from isolation. 1 death has been reported. Overall, 55 lab confirmed cases and 19 probable cases per CDC definition have been reported. 55.4% of cases are male and 44.6% are female. The age range is <1 to 83 years with a median age of 39.5 and an average age of 40.5. Hospitalization has been required during illness for 5 individuals (0 currently hospitalized). Illness onset range has been between Jan. 13 to Jun. 24. 39% were community acquired (no identified exposure), 31% were contacts of a confirmed case, 12% were travel related, 10% were occupational exposure, and 8% were connected to a known outbreak.

This week’s epi update has detailed information on cases on COVID-19 among Union County residents.
Epi Infographic 6-29-2020

Ohio Update: Governor DeWine shared today Ohio experienced the first week (Jun. 21 – Jun. 27) of increased hospitalizations related to COVID-19 since the peak in late April/early May. A slight increase is being experienced across all the hospital regions, but most pointedly in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Dayton regions. All hospital regions still have ample resources.

Mask Research: Several new research reports are indicating wearing face coverings in public is a significant factor in slowing the spread of COVID-19. The research indicates that social distancing is important but is not sufficient by itself. When more people in our community wear face coverings and practice social distancing, the more we protect our community.

Nursing Homes: Governor DeWine announced today that outdoor visitation at nursing homes will be allowed beginning July 20.  The Ohio Department of Health reports cases of COVID-19 within nursing homes across Ohio. As of today, the Ohio Department of Health has not reported any cases of COVID-19 within a Union County facility.

ORW Update: The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is reporting four staff members at the Ohio Reformatory for Women have tested positive forCase Count: The Union County Health Department has received report of 74 cases of COVID-19 among Union County residents. Currently, there are 7 individuals considered actively ill (in isolation), 66 individuals are considered no longer infectious and have been released from isolation. 1 death has been reported. Overall, 55 lab confirmed cases and 19 probable cases per CDC definition have been reported. 55.4% of cases are male and 44.6% are female. The age range is <1 to 83 years with a median age of 39.5 and an average age of 40.5. Hospitalization has been required during illness for 5 individuals (0 currently hospitalized). Illness onset range has been between Jan. 13 to Jun. 24. 39% were community acquired (no identified exposure), 31% were contacts of a confirmed case, 12% were travel related, 10% were occupational exposure, and 8% were connected to a known outbreak.

Testing Update: Testing for current illness (with or without symptoms) is still being offered Tuesdays from 9a-1p and Wednesdays from Noon-4p at the Union County Fairgrounds (Route 4 entrance). Testing is available to anyone who wants it. A doctor’s order is not required for testing. Testing is free to uninsured individuals and covered by most insurances. The test is a diagnostic test, NOT an antibody test, and consists of a nasal swab within the nostril. Results are typically provided within 2-3 business days. Testing is provided by Lower Lights Christian Health Center in partnership with the Union County Health Department. Registration is preferred and can be done at https://llchc.org/covid19/ or by calling (614) 274-1455 (select option 1).

Individuals needing COVID-19 testing before a medical procedure should consult with the healthcare system providing the medical procedure.

Additional testing opportunities outside Union County are available through select CVS, Kroger, Rite Aid, Walmart and community health center locations. A listing of testing locations in Ohio, including state sponsored Pop Up testing events can be found at https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/testing-ch-centers/.

Antibody Testing: Testing for past infection (not currently ill) is known as antibody testing. Antibody testing is available with a doctor’s order through Memorial Health. Antibody testing is also being offered by the American Red Cross for blood donors for a limited time. Additional antibody testing is also available outside of Union County through private labs such as LabCorp. Currently, the Ohio Department of Health is conducting a statewide prevalence study of COVID-19 using antibody testing. This study is aimed at giving us an understanding of the spread of COVID-19 through Ohio based upon the results of 1,200 randomly selected Ohioans. Outside of this prevalence study, there are no plans for mass antibody testing. Antibody testing continues to have limitations. Antibody tests should be run using a currently approved FDA test. Antibody testing can also be limited in identifying an exposure to a coronavirus, but may not specifically identify SARS CoV-2 which is the virus that causes COVID-19. The other consideration before getting an antibody test is to know that we still don’t know what the immune response is to SARS CoV-2. We don’t know what type of immune response we build after exposure, how long any immunity lasts, and if there are variances based upon individuals or degree of illness.

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