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Athens Co. Remains At Level 2 Public Health Emergency, Confirms 29 COVID-19 Cases For October 15

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Athens County remained at a Level 2 Public Health Emergency as 29 COVID-19 cases confirmed Thursday brought its total to 1,102 since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Athens City-County Health Department confirmed the news in a press release sent October 15.

Athens County again triggered three of the state’s seven indicators, the same as the past four weeks: new cases per capita, new cases increase and non-congregate cases.

To reach Level 3, a county must trigger at least four indicators.

The county was upgraded to Level 2 five weeks ago.

The Ohio Public Health Advisory System map highlighting Athens County data
The Ohio Public Health Advisory System map highlighting Athens County data [ODH]
Analysis of Ohio Department of Health data indicates 16 of Thursday’s new cases involved people aged 20-29, six involved people aged 0-19, four involved people aged 50-59 and three involved  people aged 60-69. Two additional cases required hospitalization, bringing the county’s total to 37 since the beginning of the pandemic.

There are 267 known active cases in the county as of Thursday. There are 833 recovered cases, according to the local health department. There have been two deaths related to COVID-19 in the county.

Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms is asked to call their primary care physician, urgent care, or emergency department before arriving for care to let them know that they believe they are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 virus.

An age breakdown of Athens Co. COVID-19 cases for Oct. 15, 2020.
An age breakdown of Athens Co. COVID-19 cases for Oct. 15, 2020. [ODH]
The Ohio Department of Health announced 175,843 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 statewide as of Thursday at 2 p.m. There have been 16,824 hospitalizations and 5,038 reported deaths.

ODH makes the following recommendations to protect yourself from illness:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; dry hands with a clean towel or air dry hands.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
  • Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.

Ohio’s coronavirus call center is open to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The hotline number is 1-833-4-ASK-ODH or 1-833-427-5634. More information is available at coronavirus.ohio.gov.