July 22, 2022:
On July 21, 2022, the CDC identified Franklin County as orange community level (high). This has changed from yellow (medium). Community levels are determined by level of new cases and new admissions in hospitals. Cases and hospitalizations in Franklin County are spiking because of the highly-contagious Omicron BA.5 variant.
Because Franklin County is at the highest community level, it is important that everyone takes precautions. Everyone, regardless of vaccine status, should wear a mask indoors in public places (including schools). You should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters. Pediatric vaccines are available at our clinics for children ages six months and older. If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness, wear a mask, consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities, and stay informed about how to test and what to do if you test positive (such as taking oral medications for COVID-19 treatment). If you regularly interact with someone who is at high risk for severe disease, you should take a COVID-19 test before you see them and exercise precautions, like wearing a well-fitted mask around them. If you can, improve indoor ventilation by opening windows, using a window fan, using filters in HVAC and/or using portable air purifiers.
For more resources, visit our testing, isolation and quarantine or vaccine webpages.
For more information, visit our FAQ page.