Moving forward with next phase

Gov. Mike DeWine announces Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccination plans

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced plans to start Phase 1B of the novel coronavirus vaccine process on Jan. 19.

The governor said those 80 years of age and older will be prioritized first in that phase. That accounts for about 420,000 Ohio residents, according to the governor’s office. DeWine said the state is expected to receive 100,000 doses during the first week of distribution to Phase 1B.

“With up to 420,000 people 80 years and above, and only 100,000 doses available the first week, it will take several weeks to vaccinate those 80 years of age and older,” DeWine said. “Phase 1B will take a few weeks, and a lot of coordination in distribution.”

That age group has seen by far the most COVID-19 deaths i n Lake County. As of 2 p.m. Jan. 5, Lake County had 123 cumulative COVID-19 deaths. Of that total, 78 were 80 or older, according to the Jan. 6 COVID-19 data report released by the Lake County General Health District.

The group with the second most deaths, 70-79, had 27 as of that date.

Since the release of that report, three more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the county. Health officials have said definitive cause of death can take weeks, even months to determine.

The health district releases its data reports on Wednesday mornings with figures as of 2 p.m. the day prior.

Vaccines for Ohioans 80 years of age and older will be administered by physicians, local health departments, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, in-home health service providers, and some retail pharmacies, according to the governor’s office. As of Jan. 7, the Ohio Department of Health has approximately 1,700 providers registered to distribute vaccines.

ODH will host a webinar for registered providers to discuss expectations, and instructions for distribution, according to DeWine’s office. Additional details are expected to be shared with registered providers in the coming days.

DeWine said he anticipates that vaccinations for Ohioans 75 year of age and older will be available beginning Jan. 25. The following week (Feb. 1), it’s anticipated vaccinations will be available to those 65 and older.

“As we include other age ranges, please know that does not mean vaccinations will be complete for the previous age range,” DeWine said.

The week of Jan. 25 will also mark the expected vaccination availability for Ohioans with congenital, developmental, or early onset medical disorders, according to the governor’s office. Additional details about distribution for this group is forthcoming.

On the week of Feb. 1 it’s anticipated that vaccination will be available for Ohio school personnel.

DeWine said ODH will be sending forms this week to be signed by school superintendents asking them to agree to go back to full inperson or hybrid learning by March 1.

“That is a condition of getting the vaccine,” DeWine said.

Superintendents w ill also be asked to indicate the number of staff they believe will choose to take the vaccine. Additionally they’ll be asked if a community partner has been identified to help with the administering of the COVID-19 vaccines to school personnel, according to the governor’s office.

Ohio is currently in Phase 1A of the vaccine distribution, which includes health care workers, EMS responders and nursing home residents and workers, among others.

There have been 3,959 vaccinations started i n Lake County as of Jan. 7, according to ODH data. That represents 1.72 percent of the county’s population. There have been 2,186 vaccinations started in Geauga County as of Jan. 7, representing 2.33 percent of the county’s population. Statewide, there have been 221,302 vaccinations started, representing 1.89 percent of the state’s population.

“With up to 420,000 people 80 years and above, and only 100,000 doses available the first week, it will take several weeks to vaccinate those 80 years of age and older. Phase 1B will take a few weeks, and a lot of coordination in distribution.” — Gov. Mike DeWine