By 1812Blockhouse
The day after Governor DeWine shared news of new orders concerning masks and gatherings, and the potential for additional orders impacting bar, restaurants, and fitness centers, updates to the Ohio Public Health Advisory System were announced.
Richland County remains at Level Three/Red, with five indicators met — the same amount, and the same indicators, that were met last week. The two indicators not met each of the last two weeks involve hospital admissions and ICU bed occupancy.
Ohio was a “sea of red” on the new map. Two counties, Franklin and Tuscarawas, are on the verge of turning purple. Only one county, Noble County in southeast Ohio, is at the lowest, “Yellow” level.
Richland County’s new case numbers climbed in the report from Columbus. 431 new cases were reported in the county over the last two weeks, as compared to 359 the week before. In terms of cases per 100,000 population, Richland’s level rose from 296.32 to 355.75.
Interestingly, the numbers also reveal that the seven day case average is actually decreasing.
Richland County schools’ new COVID numbers were also reported, and show that 34 students and staff tested positive over the last week.
Last week, that figure stood at 27.
Impacted schools/districts were as follows:
- Lexington — 1 staff
- Madison — 3 students, 6 staff
- Mansfield Christian – 1 student, 1 staff
- Mansfield — 2 students, 5 staff
- Ontario — 4 students, 3 staff
- Pioneer — 4 students, 1 staff
- Plymouth — 1 student
- St. Peter’s — 1 student
- St. Peter’s High School — 1 student
According to the Department of Health, “A report of COVID-19 should not be interpreted as an indicator that a school district or school isn’t following proper procedures—school cases can be a reflection of the overall situation in the broader community. Families and staff should always feel free to ask questions of the school district or school.”
Photo by Pille-Riin Priske on Unsplash
