Small gatherings likely responsible for COVID spike

LORAIN — COVID-19 cases have increased tenfold since the beginning of the pandemic in Ohio. Dr. Christopher Babiuch, a family medicine physician from Cleveland Clinic Lorain Family Health Center, said there has been an exponential growth in COVID-19 cases. "In August, we may have had 100 positive tests in a day. In the last week, we've had more than 800 positives in one day," he said. "We may soon surpass that with a trajectory of over 1,000 a day." Small gatherings are likely driving the increase in COVID-19 cases and many are contracting the virus through them, Babiuch said. "Every interaction that you have is a possible exposure," Babiuch said. "The more people you interact with, the higher the risk of you getting COVID and the risk right now is significantly higher than at any other point in this pandemic." Before small gatherings were safer but now with the uptick in cases, there is a higher likelihood someone in a small group has COVID-19. "COVID fatigue is a driver in this. Everyone would like to be getting on with our lives, however, this isn't the time to be lax," he said. "It's time to be very engaged in following those public health measures. Masking is extremely important." Babiuch said even if you decide to gather in a small group, there's nothing wrong with wear a mask indoors, or even in your home if you're visiting with someone. He said the virus spreads very easily, is very contagious and can be severe. By having COVID-19, there's a higher risk of hospital admittance, respiratory failure and needing to be on a ventilator. "This is something that is very real. When someone experiences COVID, they no longer think it's a hoax," Babiuch said. "I've had many patients who have family members who have passed away." With the holidays, people may be tempted to gather with extended family but Babiuch said it's safer to avoid doing so for now. If someone attends a gathering, wear a mask and avoid areas where food is being prepared. If you decide to host a gathering, consider an outdoor meal, limit the number of guests and make everyone aware of expectations like mask-wearing. If indoors, make sure to open windows. To keep people from touching the same items, consider having everyone bring their own food and utensils. Other Thanksgiving activities could be having a virtual meal with family, watch movies together or find a game to play as a family. "Think of what would happen if they were the one to infect their loved one with COVID unintentionally," he said. "It's less about travel and more about interactions, it's the small gatherings and the closeness to others that spread the disease."