“Our hospitals are full. Our morgues are full.” Grim words from Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis about the fallout from the COVID-19 virus in our region. “So that should tell people we have a real problem here. This pandemic is being very cruel and holding on longer than anyone wished.”
Scioto County Commissioners expressed their concern over the COVID Crisis in Scioto County. Commissioner Scottie Powell said, “Coming from the healthcare world, we’re seeing our resources stretched to a limit we’ve never seen. I know the hospital’s ICU is completely full. At one point they had four COVID units.”
Powell was chosen to replace the late Commissioner Mike Crabtree who died of COVID-19 back in November of 2020.
Cases on the Rise
The Ohio Department of Health reported 83 new COVID cases in the county on Friday, bringing the total to 10,477 since the start of the pandemic. There are currently 1,702 active cases, meaning around 2% of the county’s 75,314 residents are currently ill with the disease. Since the start of the pandemic, almost 14% of residents have been infected.
Powell cautioned residents not to fall victim to ‘COVID burnout’ when it comes to taking precautions against the disease. “Still be mindful that it is a real thing. We’re seeing people in our community die daily now.” Powell urged unvaccinated residents to talk to their doctor. “Have that conversation with your doctor, is the vaccine right for you?” Just under 40% of the county’s residents have been vaccinated.
Powell said data showed that those admitted to hospitals in severe conditions are mostly unvaccinated. “Do your research, don’t take my word for it.” He said that his personal experience with nursing home residents has shown that the vaccinated who do get COVID have much milder cases. “Do what’s right for your family. Protect your friends and protect your loved ones.”
No End in Sight
Commissioner Bryan Davis also encouraged people to talk to their doctors about the COVID vaccine. “There is, right now, no end in sight. People need to be vigilant. They need to do all that they can to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.” Davis seconded Powell’s concern about COVID burnout. “I personally am tired of this. I think we all want to go back to what normal was. But right now, a lot of people are getting sick and a lot of people, unfortunately, are passing.”
Powell advised residents to be kind to their neighbors in the healthcare field. “If you know a healthcare worker, check on them. They’re dealing with something they’ve never dealt with. We’re seeing people leave the industry because of the burnout.”
Davis offered these words of encouragement. “We’ll get through this, we’ll get through this together.