COVID DATA: We are seeing a sustained decrease in new COVID-19 cases reported and the central Ohio hospital region is also reporting hospitalizations have been decreasing for many hospital systems. At the height of this Aug/Sept surge, Union County reached a rate of about 530 new cases per 100,000 people. We hovered at a rate between 400 and 500 cases per 100,000 people for most of September and early October. We began to see a steady drop in our new case rate in October. As of today, Oct. 22, we have dropped to a rate of about 225 new cases per 100,000 people. While this is still above the CDC’s threshold for high community transmission, we are optimistic this may be the tail end of this recent delta variant driven surge. (CDC threshold is ≥ 100 new cases per 100,000 people.) We have also seen Union County’s positivity rate drop below 10% for the first time in many weeks. Over the course of August and September, the positivity rate steadily rose from less than 2% to nearly 15%. The current positivity rate as of Oct. 22 is 7.9%.
Data Source: CDC COVID Data Tracker
Click here to look at the latest update from our epidemiologists.
From our epidemiology reports, 2,268 new cases were reported from July 01 through Oct. 22, 2021. Approximately 100 (or less than 5%) of these new cases had symptom onset dates in July. Approximately 1,800 (or about 80%) had symptom onset dates in August or September, and about 350 (or about 15%) had symptom onset dates in October. From July 01 through Oct. 22, 2021, we received report of 83 Union County residents requiring hospitalization due to complications from their COVID-19 illness (64 of these were reported between Aug. 18 and Oct. 22). 1 Since Sept. 1, our office received report of nine COVID-19 related deaths among Union County residents.2 To date, 59 COVD-19 deaths have been reported since the pandemic began.
1 This figure may not be representative of all COVID-19 associated hospitalizations that occurred. Reports of hospitalization data can lag significantly. Data only reflects hospitalizations that have been reported to the Union County Health Department and verified by medical records review.
2 This figure may not be representative of all COVID-19 deaths that occurred. Reported death data can lag significantly. All COVID-19 deaths are processed through a national death registry to ensure data accuracy and death certificate meets COVID-19 reporting criteria.
Data Source: Data extract from the Ohio Disease Reporting System
Booster Update: The CDC just announced yesterday, Oct. 21, that booster doses are now approved for eligible individuals who received Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines.
THE UNION COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS NOT RECEIVING MODERNA VACCINE.
NO MODERNA BOOSTERS CAN BE ADMINISTERED BY OUR OFFICE.
UCHD is currently providing booster shots for individuals who received their second Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago and who meet current CDC eligibility (including people age 65 and older). Pfizer booster shots are being provided at all UCHD COVID vaccination clinics by appointment. Book an appointment at www.uchdclinic.org or by calling (937) 642-2053. Please bring your vaccination cards and photo ID with you to the appointment. Drive thru clinics at the Union County Fairgrounds are being offered through the end of October. Vaccination will move back to an in-office service at the health department in November.
At this time, our team is reviewing our ability to provide Johnson & Johnson booster doses. More information to come in the next one to two weeks.
The CDC now allows “mix and match” of different types of COVID-19 vaccine brands for booster doses. For example:
- a person who received a Moderna first and second dose at least six months ago and meets current eligibility can receive a Pfizer booster
- a person who received a Pfizer first and second dose at least six months ago and meets current eligibility can receive a Moderna booster
If you wonder if “mix and match” is right for you, please talk to your doctor. Our staff cannot determine if “mix and match” is right for you.
Pfizer quick fact:
- Booster dose is the same vaccine and the same dose as the first and second shots.
- Booster shots can be administered at the same time as your flu shot or other vaccines. There is no minimum interval you need to wait between a COVID vaccination and other vaccination.
- Click here to view the updated FDA factsheet for Pfizer.
Vaccination Update: An estimated 54.58% of Union County residents (total population) have completed the COVID-19 vaccination series. Vaccination remains highest in Union County adults age 60 and older. In recent data review, we’ve also seen an increase in COVID-19 vaccination in adolescent.
- Estimated 89% of Union County residents age 60 and older are fully vaccinated.
- Estimated 68% of Union County residents age 50-59 years old are fully vaccinated.
- Estimated 61% of Union County residents age 30-49 years old are fully vaccinated.
- Estimated 47% of Union County residents age 20-29 years old are fully vaccinated.
- Estimated 49% of Union County residents age 12-19 years old are fully vaccinated.
Individuals who want to start the COVID-19 vaccination series can book an appointment online at www.uchdclinic.org. Johnson and Johnson and Pfizer vaccine is typically available at UCHD clinics.
Testing Update: Two COVID-19 testing options are available for Union County residents.
- Home Test Kits: COVID-19 home antigen test kits are available for curbside pickup Monday-Friday at the Union County Health Department. Please call ahead to (937) 642-2053 and a test kit will be set out for you. At-home antigen tests are also available for curbside pickup at the Marysville Public Library and the Richwood Public Library. Please call the library in advance so a kit can be ready for you. At-home antigen tests are ideal for individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 or a known exposure to someone with COVID-19. We strongly encourage the use of the telehealth support that comes with the home test kits. By utilizing the telehealth, the test kit is considered a verified and valid test. Antigen tests may not meet testing requirements for travel, work, entertainment venues or medical procedures. Please consult with the venue or organization requesting a test to ensure you select the right testing option.
- PCR Testing: PCR testing is available on Thursdays from 10am-1pm at the Union County Fairgrounds during the month of October. Testing is by appointment. Appointments can be made at unioncountycovid.org/testing. This test is a more sensitive test and is often required for travel or may be recommended by a healthcare provider for confirmatory testing. This test collects a specimen using a swab into the back of the mouth (similar to the process for testing for strep throat). Results take 24-48 hours to return. Insurance may be billed. No one is turned away due to lack of insurance.