It will be an exciting weekend with the start of Buckeye Football on Saturday. Just a reminder, we are asking our residents to consider limiting their gatherings with others. We continue to see a significant increase in COVID-19 cases here in Franklin County, and we need to remain vigilant to do our part to slow the spread. If you decide to gather, always be in groups of less than 10, wear a mask, keep 6 feet apart, wash your hands often and stay home if you’re sick.
With most Halloween events scheduled for next Thursday, we encourage you to spend a few minutes reading over our recommendations for a Safe COVID-19 Halloween. It includes tips for both treat givers as well as all the ghosts and goblins and their families, and we continue to stress everyone get their flu shot as soon as possible.
This week, Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) launched a new campaign to change the conversation regarding the disease of addiction called Recover for Life. At least one Franklin County resident dies from an opioid overdose every single day. From January to June of this year, the Franklin County Coroner’s Office saw 437 people die of overdoses, which is an increase of 73.4% from the same period last year. It’s important for everyone to understand that the disease of addiction affects us all. We want all Franklin County residents to join in the Recover for Life campaign. Visit the website to learn what you can do.
This week, FCPH also launched a Vote Safe campaign in conjunction with the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. The goal is to raise awareness among adults 18 and over in Franklin County about how to vote safely to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The campaign will be on social, digital billboards, tv and radio ads. In the meantime, visit the website www.myfcph.org/vote.
Joe Mazzola, MPA
Franklin County Health Commissioner