Number of Ohio ‘red’ counties triples since unveiling of COVID-19 alert map
COLUMBUS — When Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled the state's new county-by-county coronavirus alert system map July 2, seven counties met enough indicators to be considered "red." Three weeks later, that number has more than tripled.
In updating the alert system Thursday, DeWine revealed 23 counties are currently in Level 3 (red) of the system: Allen, Athens, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Defiance, Delaware, Erie, Fairfield, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Henry, Lawrence, Licking, Lucas, Marion, Medina, Montgomery, Pickaway, Richland, Scioto and Union.
The news came as the state marked its 16th day in a row of reporting more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases. On Thursday, Ohio reported 1,410 new confirmed cases — that's about a new case every minute.
So far in July, the state has added 27,597 new cases. The 16-day streak is responsible for 20,669 of those cases.
DeWine updated the advisory map hours before his new statewide mask mandate went into effect. Prior to issuing the mask mandate, residents of counties in Level 3 were required to wear masks. Last week, that requirement covered 60 percent of Ohioans.
This week, eight counties moved from Level 2 to Level 3. Four counties — Butler, Lorain, Summit and Wood — moved from Level 3 to Level 2, but "remain pretty close," DeWine said.
Trumbull County was removed from the list last week and remains in Level 2 (orange) along with Mahoning County. Columbiana County is in Level 1 (yellow).
Mask-wearing is helping to slow the spread in Level 3 counties, DeWine said, but "there are still high levels of spread."
In reviewing the coronavirus spread in each county, DeWine detailed the causes of outbreaks, including children's sleepovers, family parties, church services and even a "name that tune" event at a local winery.
DeWine made a good case for issuing a travel advisory Wednesday. Per the advisory, anyone traveling to or from states with surging coronavirus cases is asked to quarantine for two weeks.
DeWine told the story of a woman who visited Texas and did not quarantine when she returned. She went back to the nursing home where she works with a headache and unknowingly spread the coronavirus to 30 residents.
"Citizens across Ohio need to continue to be vigilant," said DeWine.
Other coronavirus news:
• According to the latest figures Thursday from the Ohio Department of Health, the state is reporting 75,819 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. There have been 2,188 confirmed cases in Mahoning County; 1,236 in Trumbull County; and 1,483 in Columbiana County.
• Statewide, there have been 2,997 confirmed deaths, including 247 in Mahoning County; 91 in Trumbull; and 62 in Columbiana. Mahoning County's 247 reported COVID-19 deaths on Thursday was fourth among Ohio's 88 counties; Franklin County had the most with 484.
• In nearby counties: Stark, 1,449 cases and 122 deaths; Portage, 608 cases and 59 deaths; and Ashtabula, 497 cases and 44 deaths.
• According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday, there are 104,358 COVID-19 cases in the state which have led to 7,079 deaths. The state said the recovery rate is 75 percent. There have been 282 cases in Mercer County and 9 deaths; 261 cases in Lawrence County and 9 deaths.
• Pennsylvania health officials remain optimistic that students can return to the classroom, even as COVID-19 cases continuing rising. Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said Thursday that guidance could change between now and the beginning of the school year in about six weeks, but that the state hopes to get kids back into school.
• ONE Health Ohio will offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday (July 29) at the Trumbull Community Action Program in Warren. Participants should be at least 10 years old and bring their ID and insurance card. For preregistration call 330-884-6122.
• Youngstown City School District students, their families and district staff can get tested for coronavirus next week. QuickMED Urgent Care of Youngstown will conduct pop-up virus testing sites Thursday (July 30) at Chaney High School and July 31 at East High School. Testing for adults and staff is set for 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. both days.
This story was originally published July 24, 2020 at 4:11 AM with the headline "Number of Ohio ‘red’ counties triples since unveiling of COVID-19 alert map."