Franklin County Community Mask Advisory

July 22, 2022: The prevalence of COVID-19 in Franklin County has increased significantly in the last several weeks. The case rate in Franklin County is 214 per 100,000. New hospital admissions were 10.7 percent with 3.7 percent of patients in staffed in-patient beds confirmed with COVID-19. As of July 18, the positivity rate in Franklin County is 19.8 percent. According to the CDC, the Franklin County COVID-19 Community Level is now considered “orange” or a high level for COVID-19. Consistent with CDC guidance, Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) is issuing the following advisory for our community including its residents and employers.

Residents

During this time, everyone is advised to wear a mask indoors in public places and in crowded outdoor areas regardless of their vaccination status. In addition, we would strongly advise residents take the following steps:

    • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters
    • Get tested right away if you have symptoms
    • If you test positive:
      • Stay home
      • Contact your healthcare provider to ask if you should take an antiviral.
    • Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness. Talk to your healthcare provider about what is best for you
    • More information about vaccinations, testing and masking can be found throughout our website.
Employers

This designation by the CDC is a reminder for all of us to take additional precautions during this time. We have all the tools necessary to fight COVID-19 and appreciate your assistance in disseminating this information to our community. FCPH will continue to update its website and will be meeting with our Equity Advisory Council and other health jurisdictional partners to ensure we continue to engage with our community during this time. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to protect the health and safety of our community.