WEEKLY ROUNDUP | Ohio’s delta surge is here. Can we stop it before it starts?

COLUMBUS — Every state reported more COVID-19 cases last week than the week prior, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Ohio is among the 30 states that have yet to fully vaccinate at least half of their residents. The rate of Ohioans who have received at least one shot hovers at 48.82 percent.

As the school year approaches, state officials are begging adults to get vaccinated and vaccinate their eligible children.

Pediatrician Dr. Patty Manning-Courtney of Cincinnati Children's Hospital said though the hospital has seen more than 12,000 children who've tested positive for COVID-19 yet weren't sick enough to need hospitalization — though some have long-term symptoms — "we are one variant away from [COVID-19] being worse for kids."

"The vast majority of pediatric cases are adult exposures," said Dr. Amy Edwards of University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. "If all the adults in a child's life are vaccinated, that child's risk of acquiring COVID is exceedingly low."

It's possible Ohioans are starting to heed this advice.

While new confirmed COVID-19 cases increased from 1,833 two weeks ago to 3,032 last week, new first vaccine doses also increased.

Last week, 48,114 Ohioans got their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine — up from 35,827 the week before and 28,391 three weeks ago.

COVID-19 trends in Ohio

Between July 18 and July 24, the state reported:

• 3,032 new confirmed cases, up from 1,833 the week before;
• 322 new hospitalizations, up from 242;
• 30 COVID-19 deaths, down from 58;
• 48,114 Ohioans have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, up from 35,827.

As of July 24,

• 5,706,880 Ohioans have started to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, including:
  • 108,353 in Mahoning County, an increase of 852;
  • 89,214 in Trumbull, an increase of 759;
  • 38,859 in Columbiana, an increase of 337.
• 48.82 percent of the state population has received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Mahoning Valley counties continue to lag behind the state rate.
  • Mahoning County: 47.38 percent;
  • Trumbull County: 45.06 percent;
  • Columbiana County: 38.14 percent.

Keep up-to-date with all of the coronavirus news by going to our Coronavirus Updates page.

Last week's news roundup

• According to a recent survey, more unvaccinated Americans think the COVID-19 vaccines pose a greater risk to their personal health than the coronavirus. Among unvaccinated respondents, 29% think the virus poses the greater risk, and 37% think the vaccines pose the greater risk. Another 34% said they are not sure. Meanwhile, 83% of vaccinated Americans say the virus poses the greater risk, and 5% said the vaccines do, the poll found.

• Spring and summer water samplings on Lake Milton have surpassed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's limit for E. coli at least eight times in the past 10 years, including this past May — leading to contamination advisories for swimmers. Meanwhile, a plan for a new sanitary sewer to replace the septic systems of a few dozen homes southwest of the lake — which would likely improve water quality — as well as a new water line, has languished for at least a decade for lack of funding.

• The Cleveland Indians, who have had that name since 1915, will become the Cleveland Guardians after the 2021 season. Over the past year, the franchise has been narrowing a long list of names. Recently, team owner Paul Dolan said "last summer's social unrest, touched off by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, spurred his intention to change the club's name," ESPN reported.

• FirstEnergy Corp. would pay a $230 million penalty and fully cooperate with federal authorities as part of an agreement announced Thursday to settle federal charges against the company in a sweeping bribery scheme in Ohio. The company has been accused by authorities of secretly funding a $60 million bribery scheme to help win legislative passage of a $1 billion bailout for two nuclear power plants operated by a wholly owned subsidiary when the bill was passed in July 2019.

• City officials, the Youngstown Police Department and the "Stop the Violence" campaign continue to focus on efforts to reduce violence. YPD has reported seven shootings since June 6. On Wednesday, YPD Chief Carl Davis said there has been a substantial link between violence and bars and nightclubs. In response, YPD will focus on large crowds leaving bars. The police department has met with several bar owners for plans to make bars and nightclubs safer by actively dispersing crowds when they close at the end of the night.

• With the 2021-22 school year drawing near, state health officials and pediatricians speaking to reporters Wednesday reiterated the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for students and their parents. And as no vaccine has been approved for children younger than 12, they're left vulnerable, meaning adults and teens must step up. Though Akron Children's Hospital isn't seeing an increase in COVID-19 pediatric hospitalizations at its campuses in Akron and Boardman, more infections are now being seen in elementary-age kids, said Dr. Robert McGregor, Akron Children's chief medical officer. Whereas 12- to 15-year-olds was once the dominant age group, it's now 5- to 10-year-olds, he said.

• If proposed academic changes at YSU are implemented, the gerontology program, along with 12 other undergraduate programs, will sunset due to lacking "a strong market" and "efficiency" — despite the Mahoning Valley's quickly aging populace. In 2000, the median age of Mahoning county residents was 40, with 17.8 percent of residents age 65 or older. By 2010, the median age had risen to 42.9, with 17.9 percent of residents age 65 or older. In 2020, 21.4 percent of Mahoning County residents were age 65 or older.

• The Ohio Department of Health is urging caution at residential camps following reports of COVID-19 outbreaks linked to two camps in the western part of the state. ODH has released updated residential camp guidance to advise campers and camp operators of best prevention practices. The guidance recommends implementing layered prevention tactics at camps attended by any campers who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

This story was originally published July 26, 2021 at 4:00 AM with the headline "WEEKLY ROUNDUP | Ohio’s delta surge is here. Can we stop it before it starts?."