Hamilton County Listed as ‘Substantial Spread’ Area for COVID-19, Health Department Says

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Hamilton County has been identified by the CDC as an area of ​​”substantial spread”, according to the Hamilton County Public Health Unit.

Significant spread occurs when an area has more than 50 cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days, according to the CDC. Health officials say Hamilton County is at 54.07.

Health officials are updating Hamilton County guidelines in line with CDC recommendations:

• Everyone, including fully vaccinated people, wears a mask in indoor public places.
• Fully vaccinated people may choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19, or if they have an immunocompromised person in their household with increased risk of serious illness or not fully immunized.
• Fully vaccinated people who have known exposure to a person suspected or confirmed of COVID-19 should be tested 3-5 days after exposure and wear a mask in indoor public places for 14 days or until they are receive a negative test result.
• Universal interior masking for all teachers, staff, students and school visitors, regardless of their immunization status.

“The Delta variant changed the game plan for COVID-19,” Hamilton County Health Commissioner Greg Kesterman said. “We know that masking works and is an extra layer, besides vaccination, to protect us all from a new wave of viruses.”

Health officials say the vaccine remains the best way to prevent COVID-19 infection, “Vaccines are safe, effective and readily available,” Kesterman said. “It is now an unvaccinated pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns about the vaccine, please speak to a trusted healthcare professional for the best information.”

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