“Masking is necessary to slow the spread of the virus to prevent surges in new infections which could increase COVID-19-related illness and death, and overwhelm healthcare capacity,” read a release from Public Health.
Greene County is listed as having a “high” level of community transmission, according to the CDC. From July 26 through Aug. 1 the county had 112.47 COVID cases per 100,000.
Counties with a high transmission rate have more than 100 cases per 100,000 people over a week. It’s the highest transmission category.
There are 1,960 counties in the U.S. currently with a high transmission rate, according to the CDC. Miami, Montgomery and Shelby counties also have a high transmission rate.
Butler, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Preble and Warren counties have a “substantial” transmission rate, meaning they reported 50-99.99 cases per 100,000 people in seven days. Substantial is the second highest transmission rate category.
Vaccination and mask wearing are the two best ways to prevent COVID-19 from spreading, according to Public Health. To find a vaccination provider, visit https://gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
The guidance is a recommendation and not a mandate. However, healthcare facilities, businesses, military installations and other organizations can require masks, Public Health noted.
The health agency also recommended the following for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people:
- Mask-wearing for all who are medically able, regardless of vaccination state, while inside in public locations.
- Mask-wearing for all teachers, staff, students and visitors at schools, regardless of vaccination status.
- Getting tested for COVID if experiencing symptoms of the virus.
- Getting tested if a known contact tested positive for COVID. If exposed to the virus people should get tested three to five days following the exposure.
- Isolating if you have tested positive for COVID in the last 10 days or have symptoms of the virus.
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