Ohioans must follow protocols for safety of all

A surge in novel coronavirus cases across Northeast Ohio should prompt people to heed the advice of health experts or these disturbing trends will continue.

This highly contagious virus knows no boundaries, it’s not a hoax and people are getting sick, some seriously, and some are dying.

The state’s Responsible RestartOhio, which aims to protect the health of employees, customers and their families; support community efforts to control the spread of the virus; and, lead in responsibly getting Ohio back to work, has to be taken more seriously.

Lorain, Cuyahoga and Summit counties are not faring so well with the spread of COVID-19, while Lake and Geauga counties are in a caution state.

Ohio’s color-coded alert system shows where counties are ranked in terms of the spread of COVID-19.

Yellow is level 1, orange is level 2, red is level 3 and purple is level 4.

A county’s alert level is determined by seven data indicators: new cases per capita; sustained increase in new cases; proportion of cases that are not congregate cases; sustained increase in emergency room visits; sustained increase in outpatient visits; sustained increase in new COVID-19 hospital admissions; and intensive care unit bed occupancy.

As of July 10, Lorain, Cuyahoga and Summit counties are level 3, which means that residents should limit their activities as much as possible and follow all current health orders.

Lake and Geauga counties are at level 2.

Counties at level 2 have met two or three indicators, including increased exposure and spread.

It also means that residents should exercise a high degree of caution and follow all current health orders.

Fortunately, no Ohio county has, as of this writing, reached level 4, which has a purple color, although Cuyahoga County is very close.

Level 4 means that a county has met six or seven indicators.

The county would have to have severe exposure and spread.

And it means that residents would only leave home for supplies and services and follow all current health orders, similar to the Stay-at-Home order DeWine issued in March.

During his coronavirus news briefing July 9, Gov. Mike DeWine correctly sounded the alarm for folks to do better to stop the spread of the virus.

For example, DeWine noted that Lorain County’s average daily cases increased to 14 from 5.5 from June 6-29, and that daily COVID-19 related outpatient visits increased to 26 from 8 between June 16 and July 2.

And he noted that the virus really is spreading in childcare centers, faith-based institutions and at workplaces.

People need to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 by taking really simple precautions, which includes staying home except for work or other needs, wearing a face covering when going out, practicing social distancing of at least six feet from others, shopping at non-peak hours, washing hands often with water and soap for 20 seconds or longer.

Others include avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands or after touching surfaces, cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, clean and disinfect “hightouch” surfaces often, don’t work when sick and call before visiting your doctor.

The most controversial of the recommendations for stopping the spread is wearing face coverings.

DeWine’s order for level 3 counties says face coverings are required for residents older than the age of 10 and those without any medical condition keeping them from wearing one.

However, the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office said until it receives clarification and direct instructions on enforcement of this order, sheriff’s deputies will not respond to all calls of this nature.

The Sheriff’s Office said if a person refuses to wear a face covering, the business can ask you to leave.

If you refuse to leave, the local law enforcement in your jurisdiction can enforce trespassing violations.

And not a surprise is that DeWine has an ally from a prominent Ohio group for endorsing customers wearing face coverings.

John Barker, president and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant Association, issued a statement July 9 saying restaurants, food service and bar locations take seriously the commitment to health and safety and that his group fully supports DeWine’s important decision to require face coverings in high-risk counties.

Barker said hundreds of Ohio restaurant owners and operators signed a pledge to protect the health and safety of customers and restaurant employees, and that face coverings help stop the spread.

Until there is a vaccine for COVID-19, everyone should follow protocols.