Rise in virus cases in teens, children.

In the past two weeks the county logged an increase in positive novel coronavirus tests, and some were in children and teenagers, Lorain County Public Health indicated in a news release.

While the risk for severe COVID-19 in children remains low, being sick can cause lost school time and lost work time for parents and guardians, the release said.

Children can spread COVID-19 to vulnerable people, including older adults and people with chronic diseases.

“So far, COVID-19 cases in school- age children have not resulted in the virus spreading through the schools,” said Lorain County Public Health Commissioner Dave Covell. “Schools, teachers and coaches are doing a great job keeping as many barriers as possible between students and the virus.

“Before and after school, however, some young people are letting their guard down.”

Some recent COVID-19 cases in Lorain County have spread during sleepovers, through unmasked carpools and while sharing water bottles in social situations, according to the release.

When children do spend time with others, remind them to keep as many barriers as possible between themselves and COVID-19, the release said.

For example, if children must carpool, wear masks during the entire drive and use hand sanitizer before and after to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Key barriers to help slow the spread include: washing hands; staying six feet away from others; and wearing a mask in public.

“It’s critical that parents talk to their children and — together — come up with ways on how to stay socially responsible,” Covell said. “Teenagers want to keep their friends, teammates and coworkers safe. They don’t want to miss out on sports and other favorite activities.

“Continuing safety measures will become even more important as we begin the winter months.”

Anyone in close contact with a positive case needs to stay home — under quarantine — for 14 days, the release said.

That way, if a close contact gets sick, they won’t spread the virus to anyone else.

“Close contacts” always include people that a case lives with, the release said.

For example, if a college student who tested positive for COVID-19 returns to the family home to recover, all persons staying in that home will quarantine for 14 days.

For local COVID-19 data, including schoolrelated data, visit LorainCountyHealth. com/data. For more information, contact Lorain County Public Health at 440-322-6367.