Slight rise in this week's COVID-19 numbers

NORWALK — There was a slight rise in the numbers of COVID-19 cases reported this week. The reporting period, covering July 1 to 7, has recorded a case count of 79 cases, up from 74 the previous reporting period. The average age of cases for this reporting period decreased from 47 to 44, with the highest number of cases for this week in the 31 to 40 age range. Eight Zip Codes in Huron County reported cases this week, with the highest infection rate in the Collins (44826) Zip Code. HCPH would like to remind residents of the importance of evaluating personal risk before leaving your home to go to public indoor locations, poorly ventilated spaces or crowds with others whom you do not reside with. Remember: some people are more likely than others to become severely ill from COVID-19 and should take enhanced precautions; for example, older adults, individuals with compromised or weakened immune systems, and people with certain medical conditions (such as cancer, chronic kidney/liver/lung disease, cystic fibrosis, neurological/mental health conditions, diabetes, heart conditions, HIV infection, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, etc.; read full list here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical- conditions.html). Regardless of whether or not you are part of a high-risk group, everyday preventative measures such as covering your coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick and washing your hands often can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (and other viruses like colds and the flu). Please Note: Case counts included in this report are estimates for the reporting period based on reports generated from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH)'s Ohio Disease Reporting System (ODRS). These data may be impacted by several factors, including but not limited to: • Lack of reporting individual cases (for example, if a self-administered at-home test kit results positive but individual case information is not reported to HCPH or recorded in the ODRS, this case will not be counted by ODH or included in this report); and • Reporting delays with the electronic reporting of cases, especially during surge periods. COVID-19 Case Data continued U.S. Overview Community levels are determined by summarizing data of the following information: New COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population, new COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 population, and the percentage of inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. This week, Huron County is now categorized as low. In communities with low levels of COVID-19, CDC recommends the following: • Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines; and • Get tested if you have symptoms. Two-Week Incidence Rate Huron County currently ranks 51st among all Ohio counties for two-week incidence rate for the current reporting period. Last week, Huron County ranked 59th. The statewide average of cases per 100,000 residents over two weeks has increased from 253.2 the previous reporting period to 277.4 for this reporting period. Continued Updates HCPH reminds residents to continue to use reputable sources for information about COVID-19, including www.huroncohealth.com, www.coronavirus.ohio.gov and www.cdc.gov. Statewide COVID-19 case data can be found on the Ohio Department of Health's COVID-19 Dashboard at: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/dashboards. COVID-19 vaccination data can be found on the Ohio Department of Health's COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard at: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/dashboards/covid-19-vaccine/covid-19-vaccination- dashboard.