COVID-19 hospitalizations up more than 300%
The Clark County Combined Health District and Mercy Health are urging residents to get vaccinated and practice COVID-19 safety guidelines as local hospitalizations have more than tripled in the last week.
On March 17, nine people were hospitalized for COVID-19 at Springfield Regional Medical Center, according to the CCCHD. On Wednesday, 29 were hospitalized with the virus.
Hospitalizations aren’t the only COVID-19 statistic that has spiked in Clark County. On Thursday, the county reported 253.6 cases per 100,000 people between March 10 and Tuesday, according to the Ohio Department of Health. That’s the highest COVID-19 incidence rate in the state of Ohio.
As a result of the spikes, the CCCHD and Mercy Health issued a joint statement encouraging residents
to mask, social distance, wash their hands and “complete a vaccine regimen.”
“Vaccinations, in conjunction with hand washing,
mask-wearing and continued social distancing, remain the only way we will be able to successfully manage the COVID19
virus,” said Dr. Paul Buchanan, chief clinical officer of Mercy Health-Springfield. “Now, more than ever, we must not let our guard down. We will get through this together.”
The health district and Mercy Health “strongly recommend” individuals 16 and older schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Gov. Mike DeWine opened up eligibility for all residents over 16 years old, regardless of health conditions or occupation, on Monday.
“Everyone, including lowrisk individuals, is encouraged to get the vaccine,” the statement said.
Vaccination appointments for next week are open at three of Clark County’s providers. But none of the providers will be offering the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccination, which has been popular and in-demand in the county.
Scheduling is available at the following locations:
■ The CCCHD, in partnership with Mercy Health, is scheduling appointments on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 937-717-2439 or online at ccchd.com.
■ The New Carlisle Community Health Center, located at 106 N. Main St., will schedule appointments by phone at 937-543-0310.
■ Rocking Horse Community Health Center, located at 651 S. Limestone St. will be offering the vaccine by appointment only during varied hours. Rocking Horse patients will take priority. Valid identification and insurance information will be collected. No one will be turned away due to insurance status. To schedule a vaccine appointment, contact 937-525-4521.
“We are not out of the woods yet,” CCCHD Health Commissioner Charles Patterson said. “Following safety protocols is still our best line of defense against the virus until more people in our community are fully vaccinated.”