Huron County continues to see increase in COVID-19 cases

NORWALK — Huron County saw an increase in 38 confirmed COVID-19 cases since Oct. 22 — 10 probable COVID-19 cases and 2 COVID-19 related deaths within Huron County. This week's increase in 38 confirmed COVID-19 cases can be attributed to ongoing COVID-19 outbreak investigations within and outside of Huron County as well as general community spread. It is important to note that COVID-19 is driven by community spread and positive case counts may not truly reflect the amount of disease in the community. It is assumed there are many individuals in the community with mild or moderate illness who are choosing not to be tested and are recovering at home. It is also known that COVID-19 can be spread between individuals who are asymptomatic. This means people may carry the active virus in their body and never develop any symptoms but are still contagious.As of Thursday, there are currently 6 Huron County residents hospitalized for COVID-19 reported. Additionally, of the 708 cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases, 60 cases are age 17 and under. Since Oct. 22, there have been 2 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 age 17 and under reported to HCPH. HCPH is responsible for reporting all confirmed positive school associated COVID-19 cases for schools located in Huron County to the Ohio Department of Health. For this week's reporting, which covered the period of Monday, Oct. 19 through Sunday, Oct. 25, there were 5 confirmed positive school associated COVID-19 cases in Huron County schools to report. Note HCPH only reports confirmed positive COVID-19 school associated cases. Therefore, any potential probable school associated COVID-19 cases reported are not included.HCPH begins an outbreak investigation when two or more individuals are found to have a similar exposure point and after consultation with the Ohio Department of Health. HCPH continues to investigate one suspect outbreak within Huron County at the Willows at Willard long term care facility. As of 4:30 p.m. Thursday, there are 85 confirmed COVID-19 (52 resident, 27 staff, and 6 other) cases including 8 COVID-19 related deaths reported in connection to the outbreak. These 85 cases may include out of county residents. HCPH Epidemiologists are in contact with management of the facility and are providing local support, mitigation guidance, and infection prevention, including providing additional personal protective equipment, as appropriate. HCPH wants to remind residents that outbreaks may not be a direct result of poor practice in place by the facilities involved. As we continue throughout fall into winter, additional outbreaks are somewhat to be expected as community spread continues throughout the state. As of Thursday, Huron County remains Alert Level 2 Orange on the Ohio Department of Health's Ohio Public Health Advisory System. For this reason, HCPH is urging all residents to assess their own individual risk for illness before leaving their homes, exercise a high degree of caution when in public, and continue to follow all current health orders. The Ohio Public Health Advisory System's color change and data is updated each week by the Ohio Department of Health not Huron County Public Health. While HCPH uses this system as a tool to assess spread of COVID-19, other factors and weekly zip code trends also are considered when offering recommendations to our community regarding events or individual business policies. The decisions made by partners within the community, however, are their own and are not decided upon by HCPH. Local health departments across Ohio have reported seeing an increased number of positive COVID-19 cases associated to family and friend gatherings inside private homes. A number of Huron County cases have also been attributed to this type of spread through known contact with a positive case. With Halloween festivities and Trick- or-Treat events taking place this weekend, everyone is urged to continue to make responsiblechoices before leaving home or hosting any events. • If you are sick or are feeling unwell, stay home.• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.• Stay at least 6-feet apart from others even when outside.• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.• Avoid sharing food or drinks with others.• Cough or sneeze into your arm or tissue and then properly dispose of the tissue.• Wear a cloth face mask/cover while in the public.