As we head to the holiday season, here are a few local COVID updates to keep you informed. To minimize your risk of COVID-19, vaccinate, wear a mask when indoors in public areas, avoid crowded areas, don’t touch or eyes, nose or face, wash hands often, and stay home and test if you are sick.
Union County Data Update – We are continuing to see a high level of community transmission of COVID-19 in Union County. As of Dec. 09, 231 Union County residents were actively infectious and in isolation. From Nov. 1 to Dec. 9, 2021, our office received report of 55 Union County residents requiring hospitalization related to COVID, six COVID-associated deaths among Union County residents, and just under 1,000 Union County cases. Our moving 7-day average continues to be above 400 new cases per 100,000 people (more than four times the CDC indicator for high community transmission) and our testing percent positivity is above 13% (CDC identifies 10% or greater as an indicator of high transmission). Since the pandemic began, 75 COVID-associated deaths among Union County residents have been reported, 414 Union County residents have been hospitalized due to COVID illness, and 9,095 Union County residents have had a reported case of COVID1. Click here to see the latest data update from our disease team.
1 Data sourced from the Ohio Disease Reporting System.
16 and Older Now Eligible for Boosters – The CDC and FDA announced yesterday that individuals age 16 and older are now eligible for booster shots. People age 16 and older who completed their two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 6 months ago should get a booster. People age 18 and older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months ago should also get a booster. Vaccine brands can be mixed and matched when receiving a booster shot. However, only the Pfizer vaccine can be administered to people age 16 and 17 who need a booster.
First, second, and booster COVID shots continue to be offered Monday thru Friday from 10a-4p at the Union County Health Department and many retail pharmacies. Union County Health Department clinics listed as “Pediatric” are open to children ages 5 through 11. All other clinics are open to ages 12 and older. Appointments can be booked at www.uchdclinic.org or by calling (937) 642-2053.
Positive Home Tests – If you test positive for COVID-19 using an at-home test without any telehealth proctoring, please notify our office by calling (937) 642-2053 or emailing contact@uchd.net with your name, phone number, date of birth, and date of positive test. Our disease team is happy to provide information on how long you may be infectious to others and what next steps should be taken. Click here for more information.
Saturday Pediatric COVID Vaccination Clinic – We are having a Saturday pediatric COVID vaccination clinic on Dec. 18 from noon-4pm for children ages 5 through 11 years at the Union County Health Department. Appointments can be booked at www.uchdclinic.org.
Pre-Holiday COVID Test Kit Distribution – Due to a huge demand at our pre-Thanksgiving test kit distribution, we are offering pre-holiday COVID test kit distributions Thur, Dec. 16 and Monday, Dec. 20 from 1-4 at the Union County Fairgrounds (use the Route 4 entrance). No appointment is needed and one person can pick up tests for the whole family while supplies last. These kits are rapid home antigen test kits. Please Note: We will primarily be distributing home test kits used for general screening that DO NOT have telehealth support and DO NOT meet the proctored test requirement for return to school or some travel or employment requirements. We will have a limited supply of telehealth proctored kits available for individuals who indicate they need the test for return to school or other instances where a verified proctored result is needed. Click here for more information.