COVID-19 on the rise again

More than 220,000 American lives have been lost as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and that number continues to rise daily.

Gov. Mike DeWine has referred to this week’s alarming increase in positive coronavirus cases as Ohio’s “common enemy”–as Ohio records 2,000 new diagnoses statewide for the third straight day.

Yesterday, the Ohio Department of Health announced 2,607 new confirmed cases and 15 new deaths over the previous 24 hours. Both the number of new cases and deaths over the past 24 hours are higher than the rolling 21-day average.

On Tuesday, DeWine called for local officials across Ohio to “double down” on efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus, which has now led to the death of 5,256 people statewide and has infected 205,347 residents. 

In light of these statistics, the governor recommended that Ohioans consider adjusting their routines.  “That may mean reconsidering attending a crowded event or going to a Halloween party,” he said. “And if you happen to get sick—please answer the phone when you get a call from a contact tracer.”

“As the virus spreads in the community from gatherings where people aren’t wearing masks or social distancing, it directly impacts our ability to keep our schools open, to protect our vulnerable elderly in nursing homes, and to keep our hospitals from being over-run and exceeding capacity,” said Governor DeWine. 

He also recommended Ohioans get a flu vaccine to reduce the strain on hospitals this winter. 

“This may be the most important flu vaccination season in our history, as we fight both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time,” he said. 

Columbus Public Health has released information on a series of drive-thru flu vaccine clinics including: 

Beginning Oct 26th

Ohio Expo Center & State Fair Celeste Center, 717 E. 17th Ave.

Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Oct. 31

Columbus Public Health, 240 Parsons Ave. (Loop Drive-thru)

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Governor DeWine also reminded Ohioans of the fundamental ways to stop the spread of the virus.

• Wear a mask when you are out in public, when you go to a store, and when you are with friends.
• Keep your distance.
• Wash your hands often.
• Keep your building well-ventilated.

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