COLUMBUS – Butler County turned "red" on this week's county-by-county COVID-19 map, in part because of a surge in cases from Miami University students.
Miami University reported 704 students and two employees had tested positive for the novel coronavirus as of Wednesday. Miami University began classes virtually on Aug. 17 and plans to test all students who return to in-person classes Sept. 21.
"Even though our first- and second-year students have not returned to campus yet, we have seen a spike in COVID cases among our students living off-campus," Miami University President Gregory Crawford said. "In this short time frame, this surge of cases really demonstrates the aggressive nature of this virus."
No one has been hospitalized from the disease.
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In response, Miami University is increasing testing to identify people who might have contracted COVID without realizing they were in close contact with an infected person. The university hopes to provide tests that will provide results within 15 to 20 minutes.
Miami has contributed 80 people to help with contact tracing, tracking people who might have been in contact with an infected person. Another 15 Ohio Department of Health staff members will help with tracing.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's administration has ordered bars to close early, but keeping college students from gathering for parties could be a more difficult task.
“It’s certainly not something the governor can do," said DeWine, adding that the incentive to attend in-person classes and see friends should help everyone to wear masks and follow other safety precautions.
"We ask you to be careful," DeWine said. "While all of us when we were your age thought we were invincible, you can pass this on."
To reach the "red" designation, Butler County hit four of the state's seven indicators, including a rate of 219.5 new cases per 100,000 residents compared to Hamilton County's rate of 99.3 new cases per 100,000 residents.
Butler County is one of seven counties in the state designated as red for "very high exposure and spread."
How schools will report COVID-19 cases
DeWine said a state health order detailing how schools are to report COVID-19 cases would be released later on Thursday and take effect Tuesday.
Parents, guardians and staff should notify their schools within 24 hours of receiving a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis.
Then, schools must notify parents or guardians about that case in writing within 24 hours. Officials should provide as much information as possible without releasing protected health information.
Starting Sept. 15, local health departments will report cases to the Ohio Department of Health each Tuesday. The Ohio Department of Health will report that data, including a breakdown by students and staff, to the public every Thursday.
Older adults, first responders could get first vaccines
Ohio is formulating its plan for distributing a COVID-19 vaccine when it's available. DeWine said he hopes the federal government will provide guidance, as well.
Older adults, including those in nursing homes, and first responders could be first in line, DeWine said.
FC Cincinnati-Columbus Crew game allowed
DeWine said the Columbus Crew's plan to host 1,500 fans for Sunday's game against FC Cincinnati is allowed under state health orders.
"They should be able to do that," DeWine said. The state's order on sports allowed either 1,500 fans or 15% capacity, whichever was smaller.
The Bengals announced they would play their season opener on Sept. 13 without fans. New quarterback Joe Burrow previously said that wouldn't be a problem.
Numbers up heading into holiday weekend
DeWine recommended maintaining social distance and limiting gatherings during the upcoming Labor Day weekend to ensure Ohio doesn't repeat what happened following the Fourth of July. An outbreak in the fall could be more devastating as Ohio tries to keep schools, universities and sports open.
"What we do this weekend will really determine what our fall is going to look like," DeWine said.
On Thursday, the Ohio Department of Health reported 1,345 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours – above the seven-day average of 1,169.
Another 50 deaths were reported Thursday, the highest reported since June 2 (52 deaths.) Cases and deaths are reported days or even weeks after someone first feels ill or dies. Among the deaths reported Thursday, 11 died in the past week, according to Ohio Department of Health data. Two died as far back as July 8.
On Thursday, an estimated 742 COVID-19 positive patients were hospitalized, according to the Ohio Hospital Association. That's below the seven-day average of 775.
The number of people reported in hospitals and intensive care units, 89 and 14 respectively, were higher than the average.
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The Link LonkSeptember 04, 2020 at 02:41AM
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