UNION COUNTY IN TOP 10 FOR PER CAPITA NEW CASES – For the first time, Union County is in the top 10 Ohio counties for per capita rate of new COVID-19 infections. From Nov. 02 through Nov. 15, Union County’s per capita rate 803.6 new cases per 100,000 people.
CELEBRATE SMALL THIS HOLIDAY – With the holiday season quickly approaching, Union County Commissioner Chris Schmenk reminds us to think about our holiday plans with intention. We can celebrate the holidays, but we need to try and keep it small. COVID-19 is spreading in our community at a level we have not previously seen in this pandemic. With elevated disease activity, spread related to small gatherings increasing, and the knowledge that spikes in cases followed each spring and summer holiday, we urge residents to carefully think through how you will celebrate. Click here for tips to consider when planning your holidays this year. Please remember, that the interactions we have this holiday season will stay with us as we return to work, school and church. Even minor adjustments to your plans can help our community preserve our physical and economic health.
ZIPCODE DATA NOW AVAILABLE – The Ohio Department of Health is now publishing zip code data for Ohio. Click here to view zip code data. Cases can be displayed for the previous two weeks, previous 30 days, or cumulative since March. Please note that data only displays for zip codes where 5 or more cases were reported in the selected timeframe.
ISOLATION & QUARANTINE – We continue to receive a high number of calls reporting potential exposure to someone with COVID-19. It is important to stay home and isolate immediately if you receive a positive COVID-19 lab result. Please notify any close contacts (defined in the section below) of their exposure risk as soon as possible. If you are notified that you had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, it is also important to stay home and quarantine. Due to the rapid increase in disease activity across Ohio, it can take 1-2 days or more for our office to receive a positive lab report from laboratories or healthcare providers. Additionally, it can take our staff one to two days to make contact with you after we receive a positive lab report. We are asking for your help. Please isolate at home immediately if you receive a positive lab result. Please notify anyone you had close contact with from 48 hours before your symptoms began to time you enter isolation. Close contacts need to quarantine at home for 14 days and monitor for the development of symptoms.
Who is a “Close Contact” – How do you know if you had close contact with someone with COVID-19? Close contacts are individuals who:
- were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more. This is cumulative throughout the day(s).
- provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
- had direct physical contact with someone who has COVID-19 (hugged or kissed)
- shared eating or drinking utensils with someone who has COVID-19
- had someone with COVID-19 sneeze or cough on you
This criteria applies to people someone with COVID-19 interacted with from 48 hours before their symptoms began until the ill person can discontinue home isolation (typically 10 days from the time symptoms began).
GOVERNOR ISSUES 21-DAY CURFEW – Governor Mike DeWine issued a curfew in Ohio that will start Thursday, Nov. 19. The curfew will run from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for 21 days. The curfew will not prevent individuals from going to and from work, getting groceries or food, or in an emergency. In addition to the curfew, all Ohioans are being asked to do at least one thing to limit the number of contacts you have outside of your home.