COVID-19 Alert - July 7, 2020

By the Numbers:

• 892,731 individuals tested

• 58,904 total cases, 7,657 of which are health care workers

• Increase in cases over the last 24 hours: 948; 21 day reported case average: 804

• 2,970 total deaths

• Increase in deaths reported over the last 24 hours: 43; 21 day reported death average: 18

• 8,383 hospitalizations, 2,101 of which are in the intensive care unit

• Increase in hospitalizations over the last 24 hours: 134; 21 day reported hospitalizations average: 66

• 88 counties with at least one case

• Ages range from less than one year old to 109 years of age, with a median age of 45

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

County Risk Level Alerts:

• Last week, Governor DeWine announced a public health advisory system, which uses a variety of data and indicators to help identify the areas where the spread of COVID-19 is increasing. 

• Currently, Ohio has seven (7) counties who have triggered a Level 3 Public Health Emergency Alert (Red): Butler, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Huron, Montgomery, and Trumbull.

• Franklin County is trending towards Level 4 (Purple) which is the highest level in the new system. 

• Local health department officials in these seven (7) counties told Governor DeWine that family gatherings, workplaces, tourist destinations, and churches are the primary factors behind the increased spread of COVID-19.

Mask Requirement for Red Counties:

• Governor DeWine announced that the Ohio Department of Health will issue an Order, effective 6 pm on July 8, mandating individuals wear a face covering in the seven (7) counties that are designated Level 3 Public Health Emergency (Red).  The Order will remain in effect so long as the county is designated a Level 3.  

• Individuals in the Level 3 (Red) counties, are required to wear a mask in the following circumstances:

  • In any indoor location that is not a residence;

  • When outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of 6 feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household; and

  • While waiting for or riding in, driving, or operating public transportation, taxis, private care service, car service or ride sharing vehicle.

• The Order does not apply to minors under the age of 10, or anyone who cannot safely wear a face covering. The order also reflects the mask guidance that has existed for employees and businesses under the health and safety guidelines, which does not require an individual to wear a mask if:

  • A physician advises against it;

  • Wearing a mask is prohibited by federal regulation;

  • Communicating with the hearing impaired; or

  • Alone in an office or personal work space.

Spreading the Word on Importance of Masks:

• Governor DeWine thanked the many partners who have supported the state’s efforts to spread the word on the importance of wearing masks in public. 

• He highlighted that Procter & Gamble donated creative work as part of the local effort in southwest Ohio. He also noted the donation of digital billboard space from the Ohio Outdoor Advertising Association and radio public service announcements from the Ohio Association of Broadcasters. 

Rep. Howse Tests Positive for COVID-19:

• Last night, State Representative Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) announced that she tested positive for COVID-19. She is the first member of the Ohio Legislature to announce a positive diagnosis.

• As of now, Rep. Howse is describing her symptoms as “mild”. 

Contact and Non-Contact Sports Competitions Resume Temporarily:

• Lt. Governor Husted announced the Ohio Department of Health issued an Order on Friday to permit, on a short-term basis only, contact and non-contact competitions including tournaments, games, and scrimmages to resume for all sports.  Teams must agree to guidelines outlined in the Order, including: 

• Testing of all players, coaches, athletic trainers, support staff, officials before travel to the competition and during the tenure of the stay;

• Daily symptom assessment;

• Athletic trainers wearing masks while attending to players;

• Coaches and officials strongly recommended to wear face coverings, where possible;

• Strict social distancing by players who are not actively engaged in the competition; and

• Immediate isolation and medical care for a participant who develops symptoms. 

• The resumption of competitions is temporary and expires on July 15. This period will be used to inform future decisions relating to return to play. 

“I Want A Season” Campaign:

• Lt. Governor Husted noted the sharp increase in July cases of COVID-19 in individuals under the age of 30. 

• In an effort to draw attention to the need for young people, particularly athletes, to maintain precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19, Lt. Governor Husted today announced the start of the #IWantASeason campaign. Athletes at all levels around the state will participate in this awareness campaign on social media outlets.