Virus cases up again

Newly reported cases rise for second straight week

Lake County’s newly reported novel coronavirus cases have increased for a second straight week after a 10-week decline.

As of 2 p.m. April 6, Lake County has 19,494 cumulative COVID-19 cases, according to data from the Ohio Department of Health. There were 295 new cases reported between March 30 and April 6, up from 208 new cases reported the week prior.

The 295 newly reported cases are the most in a week since there were 324 cases reported from Feb. 16 to 23.

The county has 760 cumulative COVID-19 hospitalizations and 357 deaths, according to ODH data. Of Lake County’s 19,494 cases, ODH presumes that 18,490 have recovered. ODH defines presumed recovered as those with a symptom onset date greater than 21 days prior who are not deceased.

On April 5, Ohio Governor

Mike DeWine and ODH Director Stephanie McCloud announced a “simplified” health order that “streamlines previous orders into a single order that underscores the most important tenets of infection prevention.”

McCloud said the new order emphasizes wearing masks at all times at any indoor location that is not a residence. Masks are also required outside when unable to maintain 6 feet or more of distance.

Rules for large outdoor gatherings like festivals and graduations are being eased.

“We still want Ohioans to take precautions when gathering and maintaining proper social distancing,” McCloud said.

“Keep in mind smaller gatherings of individuals within a mass gathering helps reduce spread. The group you’re a part of at an event should not be larger than 10 people.”

McCloud said when possible, event organizers and managers should provide one-way traffic in buildings or other areas to encourage social distancing.

“You want to maintain 6 feet of distance from other individuals as much as possible,” she said. “So how does this work with the 10-person limit? If you’re at an event where you’re sitting or walking, your group of 10 or less should be separated by 6 feet from the next group of 10 or less.”

McCloud said there will still be a limit on the number of spectators in attendance at indoor facilities. The limit at an indoor facility with fixed seating remains at 25 percent of the capacity of the facility.

As of April 6, there have been 85,020 vaccines started in Lake County, according to ODH. That represents 36.94 percent of the county’s population.

Statewide, more than 3.7 million vaccines have been started, representing 32.32 percent of Ohio’s population.