COVID-19 Alert - January 5

By the Numbers:

• Individuals Tested: 7,882,683

• 88 counties with at least one case

• Ages range from less than one year old to 111 years of age, with a median age of 43

• State of Ohio COVID-19 dashboard: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/dashboard

• Total Cases: 735,003 (44,998 of which are health care workers)

• Case Increase in Last 24-Hour Period: 7,580

• 21 Day Reported Case Average: 7,412

• Total Deaths: 9,247

• Deaths Reported in Last 24-Hour Period: 104

• 21 Day Reported Death Average: 76

• Total Hospitalizations: 39,650 (6,022 of which are in the intensive care unit)

• Hospitalization Increase in last 24-Hour Period: 538

• 21 Day Reported Hospitalizations Average: 322

County-by-County Update:

Hospitalizations on the Rise:

• Dr. Vanderhoff, Ohio‘s Chief Medical Officer, stated that Ohio is riding a very high wave of COVID-19 as our testing positivity is climbing and hospitalizations across the state (which had dropped) have now jumped back up. Ohio now has 3 times the hospitalizations we had on November 1st and almost seven times the number from October 1st.

• He further noted that our hospitals are extremely busy, and we have not yet begun to see the impact from the holiday.

COVID-19 Variant:

• Dr. Vanderhoff also addressed the UK virus variant explaining that it is usual for viruses to change over time, however, this one is notable because it appears to be more contagious than other variants. Though this variant does not appear to be more severe or to impact those who are already immune. Nevertheless, a more contagious virus is worrisome.

• This variant has reached the US and will undoubtedly reach Ohio, too. This reinforces the fact that we must continue our safety measures - wear a mask, social distance, avoid crowds, wash hands, get your vaccine when it's available.

Vaccine Phase 1A & 1B:

• Governor DeWine emphasized Ohio’s Vaccine 1A and 1B goals:

  • Save lives and protect the most vulnerable.

  • Protect those who protect us in the healthcare field.

  • Get kids back in school by March 1st.

• There are roughly 1 million people in phase 1A.

• As of Sunday, 61% of nursing homes received their first visit from a pharmacy to get their vaccines. Those who wanted to receive the vaccine, were able to get it.

  • 40% of nursing home staff have taken the vaccine when offered.

  • 75-80% of nursing home residents have taken the vaccine when offered.

• Beginning Friday, nursing homes will start receiving their second vaccine dose. Those who choose not to receive a dose in the first round can get their first dose at that time. After this opportunity, it could be a while before there is another chance for the vaccine.

• Note: phase 1A will also continue as needed as Phase 1B begins.

Bar & Restaurant Assistance Fund Extended to 1/31:

• The deadline for the Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund has been extended to January 31st.

• There are still more than 4,600 permit holders eligible for this funding.

• You can apply at: www.businesshelp.ohio.gov

Next Round of Tech Cred Application Open:

• The seventh TechCred application period opened yesterday and will remain open until January 29th at 3 PM.

• This program reimburses businesses up to $2,000 for each tech-focused credential an employee earns, up to $30,000 each application period.

• You can apply at: www.techcred.ohio.gov

Public Employers Receive 10% BWC Premium Rate Cut:

• Ohio’s public employers will pay $14.8 million less in premiums this year as a result of a rate reduction from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

• This means that approximately 3,700 counties, cities, public schools, and other public taxing districts will pay an average of 10% less on their annual premiums than in 2020.