As we end the first month of 2021, we have a unique opportunity here in Franklin County to make significant progress in our fight against COVID-19. While Franklin County remained at the red level in the Ohio Public Health Advisory System this week, we are pleased to see a downward trend in new cases and hospitalizations. All the steps you are taking to protect yourself and others is working. We need to keep it up by staying home as much as possible, frequently washing our hands and keeping that social distance from others.
FCPH and other COVID-19 vaccine providers continue to receive limited amounts of vaccine each week to provide to those following the Phase 1B approach identified by the state. As part of that plan, we are pleased to begin vaccinating those 70 years of age and older next week. We remain hopeful that more doses will become available in coming weeks. In the meantime, we encourage eligible residents to also check if their primary care provider, hospital system, or pharmacy has vaccine available. To locate other vaccine providers in our community visit vaccine.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Many of our Fire/EMS departments around the county have been working at each of our vaccination clinics. We are beyond grateful for their assistance and partnership. An immense amount of thanks also goes out to our Medical Reserve Corps volunteers who are working our clinics, too. If you would like to volunteer, please register with the Medical Reserve Corps program by visiting the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security website. Both medical and non-medical volunteers are needed. And finally, our K-12 school staff will get their first doses of the vaccine next week at one of three clinics coordinated by Kroger.
There is good news this week and we are hopeful our community continues to make more progress in the weeks ahead. As always, continue to watch our website for new and updated information about COVID-19.
Joe Mazzola, MPA Franklin County Health Commissioner