Union County Stays Red: Union County remains at a Level 3 alert on the Ohio Public Health Alert System. The Level 3 Alert indicates that we are continuing to see elevated levels of COVID-19 within our county. We remain at a Level 3 alert this week as Union County’s per capita rate of new cases remains above 100 new cases per 100,000 people, exceeding the CDC per capita threshold for high incidence of COVID-19. Union County’s per capita rate rose from 128.84 to 144.10 cases per 100,000 people. We continue to see the majority of new cases of COVID-19 are coming from the community at large and not from congregate settings (nursing homes or prisons). The other five indicators are now below the trigger thresholds, with either plateaus or decreases in each indicator.
Click here to see the Union County alert profile.
Case Count: As of 2:30 pm on Oct. 29, 658 cumulative cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Union County residents. Since Oct. 22, 85 new cases (by report date) and 2 new hospitalizations were reported (2 individuals currently hospitalized). No additional COVID-19 related deaths among Union County residents were reported.
Of the 658 cumulative cases of COVID-19, 71 individuals are currently infectious and in isolation. 583 individuals have been released from isolation and no longer considered infectious. 3 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported among Union County residents.
Click here to see the full weekly data update for Union County.
Board of Elections Works to Keep Voting Safe: We want to give a shout out to the Union County Board of Elections. The staff of the Board of Elections have put so much effort into implementing safety protocols to keep voters safe. We have heard many positive accounts from early voters. We truly appreciate the meticulous efforts to safeguard our residents as they cast their ballot. Early voting continues Friday from 8a-7p. Saturday from 8a-4p. Sunday from 1p-5p. Monday from 8a-2p. You can still make a request for an absentee ballot up until noon on Saturday. Whether you vote early or on Election Day – Wear your mask, stand 6 feet apart, and cast your vote. If you are sick, if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or awaiting test results and are isolating, or if you are quarantining due to exposure to COVID-19, please call the Board of Elections to see how you can vote curbside to keep everyone as safe as possible while still exercising your right to vote. If you need to vote curbside before Election Day, call the Union County Board of Elections before you head out at 937-642-2836. If you need to curbside vote on Election Day, the phone number for your polling location will be posted outside with designated parking spots for curbside voting.
Trick or Treat: “What do you think about trick or treat this year?” “What are your thoughts on passing out candy?” “Are you going to trick or treat this year?” These are the three most common questions our staff are getting from their friends and family.
The CDC lists traditional trick or treat to be a high-risk activity during the pandemic. Yes, it is outside. But, it is also near impossible to control the flow of people or to avoid running into groups of people. So, what are we telling our friends and family?
– If you can do something fun at home like a candy scavenger hunt and a virtual costume contest instead of a traditional trick or treat or trunk or treat, this is the best option.
– If you or one of your family members is at high risk for complications, we urge you to avoid participating in Halloween gatherings or taking children trick or treating.
– Put thought into how you’ll hand out candy. The best option is to put candy in individual bags or separate it out on a table. Put the table at the end of your drive and then enjoy the children from 6 or more feet away. The goal is to 1) stay 6 feet apart from the trick or treaters, 2) have a layout that keeps the trick or treaters moving in one direction (instead of going up to and away from your door), 3) avoid everybody touching the same candy.
– If you do go trick or treating, please wear a cloth face covering. Avoid groups of people. Stick to your neighborhood.