As we head into the unofficial start to summer this Memorial Day weekend and continue to reopen Ohio, Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health are sharing a few reminders to keep safe amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With retail businesses, restaurants and soon child care reopening, it may seem as if we are in the clear, but COVID-19 cases in our county continue to increase. Franklin County has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Ohio at 5,175 and the second highest number of deaths reported 245.
While the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk, Franklin County data shows we have the highest number of cases in the 30-39 age range followed by the 20-29 age range with the second highest number of cases.
“We each have a responsibility to look out for each other and to do our part to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Joe Mazzola, Franklin County Health Commissioner. These simple steps will make a huge impact on protecting yourselves and everyone around you.
- Stay home if you aren’t feeling well.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Put distance between yourself and others—stay at least 6 feet from other people.
- Wear a cloth face covering when in public.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often.
Enjoy the beautiful weather and the long weekend. Keep 6 feet apart from others and don’t gather in large groups of more than 10. While travel restrictions have been lifted, it is still encouraged that unnecessary travel be avoided.
“We cannot become complacent in our fight against COVID-19 because our case numbers continue to increase,” says Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts. “I encourage all residents to celebrate the holidays responsibly with members of their immediate households, and if they must go out, to social distance and wear face coverings to protect themselves, their loved ones and the entire community.”