Officials from the Logan County Health District are offering advice for area residents to stay safe and protect loved ones in the midst of the challenging COVID-19 pandemic this year.
For Logan County and much of the state, the month of November saw a large spike in cases of the virus. A total of 958 cases were reported last month in the county, compared to the second highest number of cases, 217, reported during October, LCHD officials stated in a November Situational Report released this week.
Out of the November cases, the ages groups with the highest number of cases of the virus were — ages 51 to 60, 170 cases; ages 61 to 70, 164 cases; ages 41 to 50, 153 cases; and 114 cases among the 21 to 30 age group.
As of Wednesday, the state’s COVID-19 dashboard for Logan County shows a total of 1,499 cases since the pandemic began in the spring. A total of 20 deaths and 86 hospitalizations also are reported for Logan County residents.
A total of 991 individuals are presumed recovered from the virus.
Nov. 25, Logan County moved to a level three “red” on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System based on the two previous weeks, and remains at a level three this week. The county also still has the “high incidence” indicator.
Spending time with family, close friends and loved ones is something that everyone enjoys during the holidays, but this year, health and safety must remain at the forefront of our minds, especially for those most at risk, health district officials related.
While everyone is at risk of contracting COVID-19, older adults, immunocompromised individuals, those with underlying conditions and residents of congregate living (nursing homes or other long-term care facilities) are at a much greater risk.
Residents of congregate living should not go to a holiday gathering outside of the congregate living facility because of their risk of contracting COVID-19, as well as bringing the virus back to the facility and spreading it to other residents and healthcare workers, Logan County Health Commissioner Dr. Boyd Hoddinott said.
These residents will also need to quarantine for 14 days, a difficult task, when they come back to protect the health and safety of the facility.
Celebrating small (with only those in your household) is the safest way to celebrate the holidays this year, LCHD officials said.
“Consider a virtual gathering with your close family members or organizing your own parade driving by the homes of loved ones to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving or Merry Christmas,” Dr. Hoddinott said. “Take a walk or dig up photos of holidays past and create a video to share.”
This holiday season, the best practices include:
• Doing the utmost to protect those at the highest risk;
• Staying home and not allowing visitors;
• Monitoring and logging health for symptoms of COVID-19;
• Wearing a mask;
• Maintaining a 6-foot distance from others when making essential trips;
• Regularly and thoroughly washing your hands;
• Regularly and thoroughly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, faucets, TV remotes, cell phones, computers, tablets, etc.;
• Doing your best to increase air quality by cracking windows and doors. Read more on air quality at www.loganhealth.org.
“The LCHD understands the difficult decisions being made during this normally joyous time of year and appreciates your dedication to the health and safety of all Logan County residents and visitors,” the health commissioner said.