COVID-19 CASES INCREASING IN SOUTHWEST OHIO – HAMILTON COUNTY

Have a COVID-Safe Father’s Day Weekend 


HAMILTON COUNTY, OH (June 19, 2020) – COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Southwest Ohio and Hamilton County.  With Father’s Day Weekend and family get-togethers upon us, it’s a good time to remind everyone to continue safe practices to tamp down the spread of the virus.
            
“With increased testing, we knew we would see more cases,” says Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus.  “However, as Governor DeWine pointed out, our cases are rising a bit more quickly than the rest of the State.  We’ve done such a great job in Hamilton County of flattening the curve and keeping cases down so far, but we can’t let up now.”
            
The keys to reducing the spread of COVID-19 have remained the same since the beginning of the pandemic:
Practice social distancing.  Keep a distance of at least six feet from others.
Wear a mask when around other people.
Wash hands often.
Avoid crowded settings.

“We all need to take responsibility to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” says interim Hamilton County Health Commissioner Greg Kesterman.  “When I’m out in a store and see the majority of people not wearing face masks while congregating, I worry about increased case numbers.  As we get together with our families to celebrate Father’s Day, let’s all make sure we do everything in our power to bring down our numbers.  The last present we want to give dad is a case of COVID.”
Kesterman says that as testing becomes more widely available, more young people are receiving tests.  “That has certainly driven some of our numbers up,” Kesterman adds.  “The good news is that we’re not seeing corresponding increases in hospitalizations, intensive care admissions, or deaths.”

Nick Crossley, Director of Hamilton County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency, says: “We must take personal responsibility for our health and safety in order to get past COVID-19. Continue to avoid large gatherings and wear a mask when in public. Consider celebrating Father’s Day virtually with those in your family who may be vulnerable, as all of our actions matter to prevent the spread of germs.”

Please remember that as we go into the weekend and beyond that COVID-19 is still with us.  It’s up to each of us to continue safe practices ourselves and everyone around us healthy.

Hamilton County testing is available: https://www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org/announcements/testing-sites/

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Posted on 06/19/2020