Ohio hospitals are seeing increased admissions as more people across the state are infected with the delta variant of the coronavirus across the state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates a substantial or high level of transmission of the virus in all but three of Ohio's 88 counties.
Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, the newly named Director of the Ohio Department of Health, said in a media briefing yesterday that intensive care unit admissions and use of ventilators is also increasing. Nearly all of those in the hospital due to COVID-19, Vanderhoff says, are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. Vanderhoff says nearly all of the coronavirus samples tested in Ohio late last month contained the delta variant.
Vaccines still provide our best method of staying safe and emerging from the pandemic, even with the rise of the delta variant, public health experts say. Vaccine numbers have been lagging for a while in Ohio but that may be changing. Numbers are moving upward again after falling off earlier in the summer. Doctors say concerns about the delta variant are motivating some to get the shot.
Masks are recommended or required in more places due to the new surge of delta. This spike is also putting a crimp in live concert venues' plans for a return to action. Some venues are requiring proof of vaccine or a negative test for admission. The Cleveland Agora will be among the venues with such a requirement. After October 1, the venue says only patrons supplying proof of vaccine will be allowed at shows. This is a requirement of the venue’s operator, AEG Presents, which will put the policy into effect at its properties and festivals nationwide.
The spike in cases comes as more schools districts prepare for a return to the classroom. Districts are making their own decisions as to whether to make students wear masks. Cleveland Metropolitan Schools will require masks for the first few weeks of the fall. .Akron Public Schools is also mandating masks. Other districts are leaving the choice up to parents. This week Rocky River announced young students have to wear masks, but middle school and high school students can make their own choices, though quarantining rules should they become symptomatic will make school much less convenient for them. Currently there is no vaccine option for children under the age of 12, which is why some districts say masks are a must at least for the lower grades.
Anna Huntsman, Health Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
Gabriel Kramer, Multiple Media Producer, Ideastream Publc Media
Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV
