Coronavirus: Clark County moves up to level 3

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

Clark County has moved up to level 3 from level 2 on Ohio’s COVID-19 risk level guidelines, according to data released by Gov. Mike DeWine.

Clark County was one of eight new counties to join level 3 on Thursday afternoon. It was the first time the county is at this level 3.

Over the last 14 days, Clark County identified 113 positive coronavirus cases. Clark County has 964 total cases, 10 deaths and one probable death, of the coroanvirus as of Thursday afternoon, according to the Ohio Department of Health’s website.

According to the ODH, level 3 holds the same guidelines as level 1 and 2, which include things like asking the public to maintain social distancing guidelines, use hand sanitizer frequently and avoiding contact with anyone who is considered high-risk for COVID-19.

However, under level 3, Clark County residents are now asked to consider decreasing in-person interactions with others, consider necessary travel only and limit attending gatherings of any number, according to the ODH.

Charles Patterson, Health Commissioners of the Clark County Combined Health District, said it’s important to pay attention and follow all of the guidelines now recommended by the state.

“We want people to understand these recommendations. We are also asking people to decrease interpersonal interactions and limit attending social gatherings,” Patterson said.

A county being moved to level 3 used to mean that all residents inside of that county were required to wear a mask in public. However, DeWine announced on Wednesday that all Ohioans are now required to wear a face mask while inside non-residential locations, while outside and unable to keep 6 feet apart from others and while waiting for taxis or rideshares and on public transportation.

Springfield and Clark County officials released a joint statement Thursday afternoon asking the public not to call 911 to report residents not abiding by DeWine’s mask order.

“Our 911 system is in place to handle urgent medical and public safety situations when every minute counts,” Paul Hicks, emergency services manager for the city of Springfield, said. “Reporting the non-wearing of masks or face coverings does not rise to the level of an emergency situation, so we’re asking the public to keep that in mind as the Governor’s mandate goes into effect.”

As of Thursday, the ODH reported 75,819 confirmed cases, and 2,997 deaths, of the coronavirus in the state. The state saw 1,444 new cases from Wednesday.

Hospitalizations also increased to 9,968 with 104 new admissions reported Thursday, according to the ODH. ICU admissions increased by 17 for a total of 2,403.

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