Scioto County EMA Director Larry Mullins said there are three new positive COVID-19 cases in Scioto County. That brings the total to 56 cases. Thirty-three of those infected have recovered. Cases of the virus in Scioto County have nearly tripled in the past two weeks. Twelve Ohio Counties are now ranked at the red threat level for COVID-19.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued a mandatory mask order. It goes into effect on Friday at 5 pm. The order last for 30 days and will be enforced by local health departments. Masks are required indoors at public spaces and businesses. Masks are required outdoors if you can’t get six feet apart from other people. Children under 5 and those with breathing health issues are exempt.
Commissioners Think Testing Behind Spike
Scioto County Commissioner Cathy Coleman said she believed increased testing is behind the spike. ” I think there’s so much more testing. With the extra testing, it’s logical to assume that there’s going to be more positive tests. The good thing is that hospital admissions are still low.”
Commissioner Bryan Davis isn’t surprised. “We should not be shocked that there are 53 cases. (the number increased to 56 later) Are there others out there? I guarantee it. The key thing is that hospitalizations are low. There have been zero deaths.”
Commissioner Mike Crabtree said, “What people need to realize is that they’re doing a lot more tests now. They may be picking up on people who were overlooked in the past. For a county our size, we’re still doing okay. “
No Scioto County residents are currently hospitalized for COVID-19. There have been eight hospitalizations since the outbreak started
We Need To Take Care Of Our Own
Commissioners encouraged residents to follow safety precautions. Commissioner Crabtree said, “People have to be responsible for being careful and doing what they have to do to protect their family. I know there’s a lot of folks out there doing things that are a little more risky. When it’s all said and done we’ve got to take care of our own and encourage others to do so.”
Cathy Coleman said she realized that social distancing practices get old after a while but reminded people, “This may go on for a long time. Just take care.”
Bryan Davis asked people to be vigilant and think of others. “If you’ve been diagnosed with COVID, do what you’re told to do. Be smart, be wise. I personally, am not going into large crowds. You might be doing all the protocols, the other person might not be.”
More Counties Go Red
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said 12 counties have triggered enough indicators to be at Red Alert Level 3.
Three of those counties are on the watch list, meaning they are close to reaching Level 4:
