Logan County Health District officials reported Tuesday that based upon a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the county and an increase in patient hospitalizations, Logan County is approaching a red level three public health emergency.
“Based on the Ohio Department of Health’s Public Advisory System, it is likely Logan County will advance to ‘Red’ Level 3 Public Emergency, indicating there is very high exposure and spread of COVID-19 in our county,” Logan County Health Commissioner Dr. Boyd Hoddinott said.
As of Monday, the health district reported 64 active cases of the virus in Logan County, including six hospitalizations.
Since the first positive case in March, there have been a total of 191 cases of COVID-19 reported in the county, including 125 recovered cases and two deaths.
Logan County is currently on a orange alert level two indicating “increased exposure and spread,” according to the Ohio Public Health Advisory System, which is released Thursdays.
If the county moves to a red alert level, extracurricular school activities could be affected, LCHD officials said.
Considering the recent developments, the health commissioner said it is crucial for residents to increase their efforts in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by:
• Staying home when you’re sick, including with cold and allergy symptoms;
• Wearing a mask when in public spaces;
• Keeping a safe distance from others, 6 feet or more;
• Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly; and
• Avoiding attending group gatherings of 10 people or more.
Symptoms may appear two to14 days after exposure to the virus.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.
This list is not all possible symptoms.
Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.