Lake County Reaches Level 4 Watch List

Lake County has reached the Risk Level 4 Watch List on Ohio’s COVID-19 Public Health Advisory System. Lake County has now triggered six key indicators referenced below.

• New cases per capita (1,032.8 cases per 100,000 residents)
• Sustained increase in new cases (59.0 average cases on 10/29 to 209.6 by 11/13)
• Proportion of cases not in a congregate setting
• Sustained increase in Emergency Department visits (5.4 average visits on 10/29 to 20.6 on 11/11)
• Sustained increase in outpatient visits (44.0 average visits on 10/29 to 154.9 on 11/14)
• Sustained increase in hospital admissions (2.7 average admissions on 11/04 to 5.7 on 11/10)

As a result of this change in Risk Level status, Lake County General Health District makes the following recommendations to all businesses and residents:

• All individuals are advised to stay at home and only leave home as necessary for:
  • • Health and safety (seeking services and/or obtaining medication or medical supplies, including for pets),
    • Going to work,
    • Obtaining necessary supplies and services,
    • Outdoor activity (walking, hiking, running, biking, walking the dog, going to the park), and
    • Providing care for others in need.
• Community events and activities are recommended to be canceled or postponed.
• All individuals are advised to avoid hosting or attending events and gatherings of any size, including social gatherings and family get-togethers.
• Schools are strongly encouraged to implement a transition plan where all students and teachers engage in virtual only classes, activities, and events.
• Lake County workplaces are strongly encouraged to allow as many employees as possible to work from home via teleworking and video conferencing.
• Individuals are advised to seek medical care as needed, but are strongly encouraged to engage in telehealth whenever possible and avoid all unnecessary in-person visits.

Ohio Department of Health is issuing a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. statewide curfew beginning on Thursday, November 19 and lasting for 21 days. The curfew will not apply to those going to or from work, those who have an emergency, or those who need medical care. The curfew is not intended to stop anyone from getting groceries or going to a pharmacy. Picking up carry-out or a drive-thru meal and ordering for delivery will be permitted, but serving food and drink in person must cease at 10 p.m. Questions or concerns regarding the statewide curfew should be directed via email to COVID19@lcghd.org.