(Cuyahoga County) - Just this afternoon and effective today, Cuyahoga County and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health have issued a Mask Advisory urging all Cuyahoga County residents to wear a mask in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified Cuyahoga County as an area of "high spread" of COVID-19 which occurs when an area sees more than 100 cases per 100,000 population in the past seven days. High spread occurs when an area sees more than 100 cases per 100,000 population in the past seven days. Cuyahoga County is at about 360 cases per 100,000.
“COVID-19 cases are increasing again in Cuyahoga County, hospitalization rates are up, and the speed in which this Delta variant is spreading is cause for action,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “This mask advisory is a necessary measure that should help lessen the rate of transmission of the virus. But the best way to beat COVID is by getting vaccinated, so I encourage residents that are still unvaccinated to get the shot too. This will better protect themselves, their loved ones, and the community as a whole. We will overcome this virus together.”
“Area hospitals are reporting that they have reached 80% of their capacity to treat patients who may present with any illness, just as flu season is starting and their admissions are predicted to increase,” said Board of Health Commissioner Terry Allan. “Restrictions on visitation and elective procedures will follow in order to handle the demand. We urge our businesses, non-profits, cities, villages, and townships to enforce the use of masks in all buildings. We urge schools to require masks for all students and staff so that kids can stay safe and learning in school.”
(Copyright, iHeartMedia, 2021)